rule

noun
UK: /ruːl/
US: /ruːl/

  1. A principle or instruction explaining how something should be done or what is allowed.

    1. The first rule is to listen carefully. [ ] [ ]
    2. Our school has a strict rule about wearing uniforms every day. [ ] [ ]

  2. A regulation or principle governing conduct or procedure within a particular area or activity.

    1. It's a rule that you can't talk here. [ ] [ ]
    2. There are many rules of the game we need to learn before playing. [ ] [ ]

  3. The usual way that something happens.

    1. As a rule, I go to bed early. [ ] [ ]
    2. As a general rule, these types of plants need lots of sunshine. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

regulation law principle control govern dominate
rule verb

  1. To have control over a country or group of people.

    1. Kings used to rule the country. [ ] [ ]
    2. The president will rule the nation for four more years after the election. [ ] [ ]

  2. To be the most important influence on something.

    1. Money doesn't rule my life. [ ] [ ]
    2. Emotions often rule our decisions more than we realize sometimes. [ ] [ ]

  3. To give an official decision about something.

    1. The judge will rule on the case. [ ] [ ]
    2. The court is expected to rule against the company in the dispute. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rule" in English means: A principle or instruction explaining how something should be done or what is allowed., A regulation or principle governing conduct or procedure within a particular area or activity., The usual way that something happens..

The phonetic transcription of "rule" is /ruːl/ in British English and /ruːl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rule": regulation, law, principle, control, govern, dominate.

Example usage of "rule": "The first rule is to listen carefully.". More examples on the page.