noun

rule

rool

noun

An official regulation or guideline that governs behaviour or a process.

"You have to follow the rules of the game."

"The new rule requires everyone to check in at the front desk."

A straightedge tool used for measuring or drawing straight lines.

"She used a rule to draw a neat margin on the page."

verb

To govern or have official authority over a country, people, or organization.

"The king ruled the region for over thirty years."

How to Use Rule

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn official instruction to follow, the act of governing, or (less commonly) a straightedge measuring tool.

Common mistake

Don't confuse "rule" (govern, or a regulation) with "ruler" (the person who rules, or the measuring tool) — context usually makes it clear which is meant.

Common pairings

break a rule rule of thumb rule a country as a rule

Word Forms

ruled past tense, ruled past tense, rules plural, rule plural, ruled plural, Rules plural, rules singular, rule singular, ruled singular, rulest singular, ruledst singular, ruleth singular, rules singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

You have to follow the _____ of the game.

Etymology

From Old French riule/reule, from Latin regula, "straight stick, pattern," related to regere, "to keep straight or direct."

Rhymes for rule

mule Yule Jule Thule module capsule ridicule schedule molecule overrule minuscule vestibule

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