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.
Failing to establish ground rules and expectations from the beginning can eat into your freelance business revenue because clients can take advantage of you, resulting in overwork without fair pay. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Teams should establish norms that encourage idea sharing without fear of reprisal, including ground rules like listening to understand, asking clarifying questions and refraining from interruptive or dismissive behaviors. Anna Barnhill, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 And here are some ground rules for navigating the Bubble Watch below: Teams are listed alphabetically within their sections. Jim Root, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 But there are ground rules that govern the annual event. Emma Bowman, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025 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 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground rule

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