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rule

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noun American English pronunciation: rule /rul/ 
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singularrule
pluralrules
  1. 1
    [countable] a statement explaining what someone can or cannot do in a particular system, game, or situation

    We need to change the club rules before we start looking for new members.

    rule of:

    the basic rules of the game

    break a rule (=not obey a rule):

    Anyone who breaks the rules will face disciplinary action.

    follow/obey a rule:

    You should always follow these simple rules when using electrical equipment.

    against the rules:

    You can’t do that, it’s against the rules!

    rules and regulations:

    They complain that businesses are being hampered by too many rules and regulations.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  ruleThesaurus entry for this meaning of rule
  2. 2
    [uncountable] the person, country, political or religious group, etc. that officially controls or governs a place

    British rule over Hong Kong ended in 1997.

    under someone’s rule:

    He admitted there were killings under his rule but said reports were exaggerated.

    a period of military rule

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  ruleThesaurus entry for this meaning of rule

phrases

This is the American English definition of rule. View British English definition of rule.

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