rule
rool
Rule (noun) means an official regulation or guideline that governs behaviour or a process. Example: “Running beside the pool is against the rules.”
noun
1
An official regulation or guideline that governs behaviour or a process.
"Running beside the pool is against the rules."
"You have to follow the rules of the game."
"The new rule requires everyone to check in at the front desk."
2
A straightedge tool used for measuring or drawing straight lines.
"Use a rule to measure the edge of the paper."
"I borrowed a rule from the desk to underline each title."
"She used a rule to draw a neat margin on the page."
verb
1
To govern or have official authority over a country, people, or organization.
"The queen ruled wisely for many years, and her people loved her."
"A council of elders ruled the village long ago."
"The king ruled the region for over thirty years."
How to use rule
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rule.
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
Word forms
- Plural
- rules
- Third person singular
- rules
- Past tense
- ruled
- Archaic forms
- rulest, ruledst, ruleth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Running beside the pool is against the _____.
Etymology
From Old French riule/reule, from Latin regula, "straight stick, pattern," related to regere, "to keep straight or direct."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rule
See all rhymes for rule →Frequently asked questions
What does “rule” mean?
The word “rule” means an official regulation or guideline that governs behaviour or a process. In plain terms, an official instruction to follow, the act of governing, or (less commonly) a straightedge measuring tool.
How do you pronounce “rule”?
“Rule” is pronounced rool (/ɹuːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rule” in a sentence?
Here is “rule” used in a sentence: “You have to follow the rules of the game.”
What part of speech is “rule”?
Depending on how it is used, “rule” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rule” come from?
The word “rule” comes from Latin. From Old French riule/reule, from Latin regula, "straight stick, pattern," related to regere, "to keep straight or direct.".
Is “rule” a common word?
“Rule” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “rule” have?
“Rule” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official regulation or guideline that governs behaviour or a process.
What is the difference between a rule and a law?
A rule is a regulation set by an organisation, group, or authority to guide behaviour within a specific context, such as a school or game. A law is a rule enforced by a government across a whole society, carrying legal penalties. In short, all laws are rules, but not all rules are laws.
What is the difference between a rule and a guideline?
A rule is usually mandatory and expected to be followed, often with consequences for breaking it. A guideline is advisory — a recommended way of doing something that allows more flexibility and judgement. Rules set firm boundaries, whereas guidelines offer helpful direction without strictly requiring compliance.
What is an example of a rule?
Everyday rules include 'No phones during lessons' at school, 'Keep to the speed limit' on the road, or 'Players may not handle the ball' in football. Each sets a clear expectation for how people should behave in a given setting, and each carries some consequence if ignored.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include rule:
