Rule Definition
rule
noun
- a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation"
- something regarded as a normative example; "the convention of not naming the main character"; "violence is the rule not the exception"; "his formula for impressing visitors"
- prescribed guide for conduct or action
- (linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
- a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct; "their principles of composition characterized all their works"
- the duration of a monarch's or government's power; "during the rule of Elizabeth"
- dominance or power through legal authority; "France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa"; "the rule of Caesar"
- directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted; "he knew the rules of chess"
- any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order; "the rule of St. Dominic"
- a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system; "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"
- (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems; "he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs"; "he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"
- measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
verb
- exercise authority over; as of nations; "Who is governing the country now?"
- decide with authority; "The King decreed that all firstborn males should be killed"
- be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; "Money reigns supreme here"; "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood"
- decide on and make a declaration about; "find someone guilty"
- have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac
- mark or draw with a ruler; "rule the margins"
- keep in check; "rule one's temper"
"Rule" in song lyrics
See how rule is used in real songs:
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"And I drop the Ja, I rule"
50/50 Twin — It's Nothin' -
"I ain't trying, to pull no Ja Rule"
50/50 Twin f/ Mista Madd — Thugg Love -
"Money, clothes and hoes, a number one rule"
9th Prince — Raised Cain
Words that rhyme with rule
Usage tips for "rule"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "rule" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for rule to find words that pair well.