rule
rule Lexical Profile
rule Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official regulation, law, or principle governing conduct, procedure, or action within a specific organization, game, or domain.
"Every participant must read and follow the safety rules before entering the laboratory."
The exercise of supreme authority, control, or sovereignty over a country, state, or group of people.
"The region experienced decades of peaceful economic growth under democratic rule."
A normal, customary, or prevailing state of affairs that happens in the majority of cases.
"In this arid climate, mild winters are the rule rather than the exception."
A straight strip of wood, metal, or plastic marked with regular intervals and used by carpenters or drafters for measuring or drawing straight lines.
"The carpenter unfolded his wooden rule to measure the width of the window frame."
• verb
To exercise ultimate power, authority, or sovereignty over an area and its people.
"Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire for more than sixty-three years."
To pronounce an authoritative legal or official decision on a matter.
"The Supreme Court ruled that the new legislation was constitutional."
To mark paper or another flat surface with straight parallel lines using a ruler or straightedge.
"She carefully ruled the blank pages of her ledger before recording the monthly accounts."
To be exceptionally good, preeminent, or superior (used in informal and slang contexts).
"Our high school robotics team rules when it comes to regional engineering competitions."
• Rhymes for rule
Word Origin & Etymology
Entered Middle English from Old French 'reule', derived from Latin 'regula' meaning 'straight stick, bar, or pattern', which comes from the verb 'regere' ('to lead straight, guide, or rule').