ground rule

noun

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 superintendentAmer. 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.
The designation comes under a sanctions authority approved during Russia's 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, according to administration officials who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. Aamer Madhani The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025 The designation comes under a sanctions authority approved during Russia’s 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, according to administration officials who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 There were no ground rules, echoed Glasses, who started her research in the brand’s library in New York, which has been updated in recent years as part of the Design With Intent initiative. Booth Moore, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 An academic study concluded that unlimited PTO could be a boon for any organization as long as ground rules are set and understood by all participants. Serenity Gibbons, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ground rule

Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20rule. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground rule

noun
: a rule set up for a specified activity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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