rule book
noun
: a book that contains the official set of rules that must be followed in a game, job, etc.
always carries the rule book in his back pocket to every game
also
: the rules in such a book
The rule book says that once the puck fully crosses the line it is a goal.
—often used figuratively He's a maverick when it comes to decorating, throwing away the rule book.
Examples of rule book in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From ‘first attraction’ in giant-nosed proboscis monkeys to the importance of wingmen in turkey courtship to foreplay in flying foxes, these guys have re-written the rule book on messy and complicated relationships.
—
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025
Citing canon law and the rule book of the Augustinians, Father Prevost lists offenses that might lead someone to be dismissed from the order.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The Little Rock Kickball Association's rule book, which started out at eight pages, now is 40 pages long.
—Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
Trump’s world order Mr. Orban’s defiant welcome of Mr. Netanyahu has highlighted one way the world has changed since Mr. Trump came to power: By throwing out the global rule book on longstanding alliances and trade rules, the American president has given permission to others to break the rules too.
—Katrin Bennhold, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule book
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.
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025
Citing canon law and the rule book of the Augustinians, Father Prevost lists offenses that might lead someone to be dismissed from the order.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The Little Rock Kickball Association's rule book, which started out at eight pages, now is 40 pages long.
—Sean Clancy, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
Trump’s world order Mr. Orban’s defiant welcome of Mr. Netanyahu has highlighted one way the world has changed since Mr. Trump came to power: By throwing out the global rule book on longstanding alliances and trade rules, the American president has given permission to others to break the rules too.
—Katrin Bennhold, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule book
Cite this Entry
“Rule book.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20book. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share