A prescribed guide for conduct or action; a regulation or principle governing conduct within a particular activity or sphere. The school has a strict rule against cheating during exams.
A statement that describes what is allowed or what will happen within a particular system, often used in mathematics or logic. According to the rule of addition, the sum of two even numbers is always even.
A strip of wood, metal, or other material used for measuring length or drawing straight lines; a ruler. She used a rule to draw a straight line across the paper.
The exercise of authority or control over a country, organization, or people. The king's rule was marked by peace and prosperity.
The normal or usual state of things; what is typical or expected. As a rule, traffic is lighter on Sundays.
A formal regulation or procedural directive issued by a court, organization, or authority. The new court rule requires all motions to be filed electronically.
To exercise authority or control over a group, area, or people. The king ruled the kingdom with fairness and justice.
To make a formal decision or judgment, especially in a legal context. The judge ruled in favor of the defendant after reviewing the evidence.
To be the most important or dominant factor in a situation. In the world of fashion, trends often rule the market.
To mark a line or lines on a surface with a ruler or similar tool. She ruled the paper to create a grid for her artwork.