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.
Leaders can do this by setting a clear structure that allows both parties equal time to share their perspectives and ground rules for meetings, including no interrupting and asking questions at the end. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Maintaining a year-round focus on respectful culture and setting ground rules for political expression and exchange are key, experts tell Newsweek. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 The trick to a no-buy challenge is to set these ground rules, says Rebecca Sowden, who is documenting her own no-buy challenge on TikTok. Allison McClain Merrill, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025 Instead, White suggests talking about things in advance and setting some ground rules. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 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 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground rule

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