noun
rubric
ROO-brik
Rubric (noun) means a set of scoring criteria that lays out exactly what a piece of work must show to earn each grade or mark. Example: “The rubric awards four points for evidence and two for structure.”
noun
1
education A set of scoring criteria that lays out exactly what a piece of work must show to earn each grade or mark.
"The rubric awards four points for evidence and two for structure."
"Read the rubric before you start the essay."
2
A heading, title or set of instructions printed at the top of a document, exam paper or section.
"The rubric tells candidates to answer three questions from Section B."
3
A general category or principle under which things are grouped, used in the phrase under the rubric of.
"The cuts were presented under the rubric of efficiency."
How to use rubric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA chart that says how your work will be marked.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in education and in formal writing.
Memory tip
Criteria is plural; a rubric is made up of several criteria and one criterion.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
grading rubric
under the rubric of
exam rubric
holistic rubric
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rubric.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ awards four points for evidence and two for structure.
Etymology
From Latin rubrica "red ochre, red-lettered heading in a law book", from ruber "red", because headings were once written in red ink.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a rubric and a checklist?
A checklist records whether each required element is present, so every item is a yes or no. A rubric describes levels of quality for each criterion, so it distinguishes a weak attempt from a strong one rather than just noting that something was attempted.
Why is it called a rubric?
Medieval scribes wrote headings and liturgical instructions in red ink to set them apart from the main text, and the Latin word for red ochre, rubrica, came to name those headings. The modern meanings all descend from that idea of a heading that tells you how to proceed.
What is the meaning of rubric?
"rubric" (noun) means a set of scoring criteria that lays out exactly what a piece of work must show to earn each grade or mark.
What is another word for rubric?
Other words for "rubric" include marking scheme, grading criteria, scoring guide, title, gloss, heading.
