RULE | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English: from Old French reule (noun), reuler (verb), from late Latin regulare, from Latin regula ‘straight stick’

one of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity

regulation or principle governing conduct or procedure

• the rules of cricket
• those who did break the rules would be dealt with swiftly

control of or dominion over an area or people

control of or dominion over area or people

• the revolution brought an end to British rule

the normal or customary state of things

normal or customary state of things

• such accidents are the exception rather than the rule

a strip of wood or other rigid material used for measuring length or marking straight lines; a ruler.

strip of wood or other rigid material used for measuring length or marking straight lines

exercise ultimate power or authority over (an area and its people)

exercise ultimate power or authority over

• the region today is ruled by elected politicians
• the period in which Spain ruled over Portugal

pronounce authoritatively and legally to be the case

pronounce authoritatively and legally to be case

• an industrial tribunal ruled that he was unfairly dismissed from his job

make parallel lines across (paper)

make parallel lines across

• rule the pages horizontally and print the information within the rules.

(of a price or a traded commodity with regard to its price) have a specified general level or strength

(of price or traded commodity with regard to its price) have specified general level or strength

• in the jutes section Indus and Pak Jute ruled firm