home rule

noun

Synonyms of home rulenext
: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (such as a territory or municipality)

Examples of home rule in a Sentence

The citizens petitioned for home rule.
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.
Brownsberger hosted a discussion on the property tax debate in Allston/Brighton last Monday night, where a split group of residents expressed discontent with the rising property taxes, the mayor’s role in the city’s growing budget and the senator for stalling the home rule petition. Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025 The law’s far-reaching impacts have prompted an outcry from Florida residents, local officials and home rule advocates, who argue that locals should have the right to plan the future of their cities and counties. Ryan Ballogg, Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025 The snow route covers 2,750 miles of roadway, but Greenberg said that some roads — including those part of a homeowner’s association or suburban home rule cities — are not included. Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Dec. 2025 Most states adopted Dillion’s Rule in the nineteenth century, although a few like California, Oregon, and New York empower cities to set their own laws and manage local affairs, a principle known as home rule. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for home rule

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of home rule was in 1858

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Home rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/home%20rule. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

home rule

noun
: self-government in local affairs by the citizens of a local political unit

Legal Definition

home rule

noun
: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (as a territory or municipality)
also : the political theory or principle of self-government

More from Merriam-Webster on home rule

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!