rule

Definition of rule

Etymology

• (noun) < Middle English rule < Old French riule < Vulgar Latin regula ("straight stick, bar, ruler, pattern") < regere ("to keep straight, direct, govern, rule").
• (verb) < Middle English rulen < Old French riuler < Latin regulare ("to regulate, rule") < regula ("a rule").

Pronunciation

• Audio (US) ^[?]
• Rhymes: -uːl

Noun

rule (plural rules)

1. A regulation, law, guideline.
2. A ruler; device for measuring, a straightedge, a measure.
3. Something to keep order.

Derived terms

Terms derived from the noun "rule"

• golden rule
• rule of action
• rule of law
• rule of thumb
• silver rule
• slide rule

Related terms

• regulate
• regent
• regular

Verb

to rule (third-person singular simple present rules, present participle ruling, simple past and past participle ruled)

1. To regulate, be in charge of, make decisions for, reign over.
2. (slang, intransitive) To excel.
   
   This game rules!

Derived terms

Terms derived from the verb "rule"

• Rule Britannia
• rule on
• rule out

External links

• rule in Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• rule in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Anagrams

• Alphagram: elru
• lure