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.
There must be clear objectives, ground rules for confidentiality, and constructive feedback and actionable insights from each session. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 First, the facilitator sets some ground rules for the meeting. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 4 May 2025 The family moves on, and after a conversation laying out ground rules with his father, Justin is allowed to go to the party, where — of course! Jazmine Hughes, Vulture, 2 May 2025 After convening stakeholders, establish clear ground rules for respectful communication, active listening and open feedback. Chris Williams, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ground rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20rule. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground rule

noun
: a rule set up for a specified activity
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!