ALL meanings of rules
rule
R r - noun rules a principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement, etc.: the rules of chess. 1
- noun rules the code of regulations observed by a religious order or congregation: the Franciscan rule. 1
- noun rules the customary or normal circumstance, occurrence, manner, practice, quality, etc.: the rule rather than the exception. 1
- noun rules control, government, or dominion: under the rule of a dictator. 1
- noun rules tenure or conduct of reign or office: during the rule of George III. 1
- noun rules a prescribed mathematical method for performing a calculation or solving a problem. 1
- noun rules ruler (def 2). 1
- noun rules (initial capital letter) Astronomy. the constellation Norma. 1
- noun rules Printing. a thin, type-high strip of metal, for printing a solid or decorative line or lines. 1
- noun rules Law. a formal order or direction made by a court, as for governing the procedure of the court (general rule) or for sending the case before a referee (special rule) a legal principle. a court order in a particular case. 1
- noun rules rules, Penology. a fixed area in the neighborhood of certain prisons within which certain prisoners were allowed to live. the freedom of such an area. 1
- noun rules Obsolete. behavior. 1
- verb with object rules to control or direct; exercise dominating power, authority, or influence over; govern: to rule the empire with severity. 1
- verb with object rules to decide or declare judicially or authoritatively; decree: The judge ruled that he should be exiled. 1
- verb with object rules to mark with lines, especially parallel straight lines, with the aid of a ruler or the like: to rule paper. 1
- verb with object rules to mark out or form (a line) by this method: to rule lines on paper. 1
- verb with object rules to be superior or preeminent in (a specific field or group); dominate by superiority; hold sway over: For centuries, England ruled the seas. 1
- verb without object rules to exercise dominating power or influence; predominate. 1
- verb without object rules to exercise authority, dominion, or sovereignty. 1
- verb without object rules to make a formal decision or ruling, as on a point at law. 1
- verb without object rules to be prevalent or current: Higher prices ruled throughout France. 1
- idioms rules as a rule, generally; usually: He arrives at eleven o'clock, as a rule. 1
- idioms rules rule the roost. roost (def 7). 1