Definition of Rule

Noun: rule rool

A principle or condition that customarily governs behaviour
"it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast";
- regulation
Something regarded as a normative example
"violence is the rule not the exception";
- convention, normal, pattern, formula
Prescribed guide for conduct or action
- prescript
(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
- linguistic rule
A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
"their rules of composition characterized all their works";
- principle
The duration of a monarch's or government's power
"during the rule of Elizabeth"
Dominance or power through legal authority
"the rule of Caesar";
- dominion, raj [Asia]
One of the 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 right-hand rule for inductive fields";
- principle
(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
"he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs";
- formula
Measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood, metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
- ruler

Verb: rule rool

Exercise authority over; as of nations
"Who is ruling the country now?";
- govern
Decide with authority
"The King ruled that all firstborn males should be killed";
- decree
Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
"Hispanics rule in this neighbourhood";
- predominate, dominate, reign, prevail
Decide on and make a declaration about
"rule someone guilty";
- find
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";
- harness, rein
Distinguish oneself
- excel, stand out, surpass