ground rule

noun

Synonyms of ground rulenext
1
: a sports rule adopted to modify play on a particular field, court, or course
2
: a rule of procedure
ground rules for selecting a superintendent.Amer. School Board Jour.

Examples of ground rule in a Sentence

before the debate begins, let's lay out some ground rules
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Through the mystery of one person’s fate, a young hero awakens to certain ground rules and discovers a haunted place. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026 The official spoke on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. ABC News, 12 May 2026 What Maryland's surveillance pricing law actually does The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act sets some clear ground rules for large grocery retailers. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ground rule

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ground rule was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20rule. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

ground rule

noun
: a rule set up for a specified activity
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