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rule · noun /ruːl/Full view
Nouns: rule, ruler, ruling
Adjectives: ruling, unruly
Verbs: rule, overrule
rule (INSTRUCTION)
B1 C an official instruction about what you must or must not do
Dictionary examples:

to break the rules

to obey/follow the rules

You can't run in the hallways, it's against the rules.

Learner example:

There're plenty of rules in my high school. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

rule (PRINCIPLE)
B1 C a principle of a system, such as a language or science
Dictionary example:

the rules of grammar

Learner example:

We did a little exam about tenses and grammar rules. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

rule (USUAL WAY)
B2 no plural the usual way something is
Dictionary examples:

an exception to the rule

I visit my parents on Sunday, as a rule.

Learner example:

As a rule, children who ride bikes change their bike[s] for cars [when they are older] and are pre[pa]red a little [for] how to behave on the road. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

a rule of thumb
C1 a way of judging something that is not exact but which will help you to be correct enough
Dictionary example:

As a rule of thumb, you need one egg for every 125g flour.

Learner example:

I think that I'm only one among many that have a diary a[s] their most precious possession, but, as a rule of thumb, I would think that people value objects in terms of how replace[a]ble they are. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)

bend/stretch the rules
C2 to allow someone to do something which is not usually allowed
Dictionary example:

We don't usually let students take books home, but I'll bend the rules on this occasion.

rule (LEADER)
C2 U when someone is in control of a country
Dictionary examples:

military rule

This area was under Polish rule until the start of World War II.

Learner example:

A XXth century modernist, not only should he be paid honor for his artistry but also for his never cea[s]ing battle against Franco's rule. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

rule · verb /ruːl/
Nouns: rule, ruler, ruling
Adjectives: ruling, unruly
Verbs: rule, overrule
rule (CONTROL SOMEWHERE)
B2 I or T to be in control of somewhere, usually a country
Dictionary example:

They were ruled for many years by the prince.

Learner example:

In the late 60s when Greece was ruled by a military government, many young students fled abroad to escape its cruelty. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

rule (INFLUENCE SOMEONE)
B2 T to influence someone's thoughts or actions
Dictionary example:

His life is ruled by the demands of his job.

Learner example:

Our Earth has grown overcrowded and every inch of our life is ruled by computers. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

rule (CONTROL)
C1 to be in control of somewhere, usually a country
Dictionary examples:

They were ruled for many years by a dictator.

the ruling party

Learner example:

Cleopatra was the seventh queen of Egypt and ruled until 63 B.C. whe[n] she died. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

rule out sb/sth or rule sb/sth out
C2 to decide or state that something is impossible or will not happen, or that something or someone is not suitable
Dictionary examples:

It’s unlikely that he’ll run for president, but you can never rule anything out.

The police have not ruled him out as a suspect.

Learner example:

Owning a house no longer seems to be a practical future plan and has to be ruled out, which meant that people lost their ultimate goal for working. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)

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