rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

transitive verb

1
2
: to make impossible : prevent
heavy rain ruled out the picnic

Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The primary hazards over the next 24 hours will be strong, potentially damaging wind gusts and hail, however an isolated brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2024 Test results released by the Colorado Department of Agriculture over the weekend ruled out McDonald’s beef patties as a possible source. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Ultimately, it can’t be ruled out as a fourth $100 million eventual domestic grosser. Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024 The Texans themselves are dealing with their own issues, with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Andy Scholes, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rule out 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rule out was circa 1658

Dictionary Entries Near rule out

Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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