self-government, esp in domestic affairs
government the partial autonomy of cities and (in some states) counties, under which they manage their own affairs, with their own charters, etc, within the limits set by the state constitution and laws
the partial autonomy sometimes granted to a national minority or a colony
First recorded in 1855–60
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Denmark granted it home rule in 1979, and its 57,000 inhabitants retain the right to vote for independence.
From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026
We are a federal enclave; we have home rule, but it’s limited.
From Slate • Nov. 21, 2025
In 1979, a referendum on home rule gave Greenland control of most policies within the territory, with Denmark retaining control over foreign affairs and defence.
From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025
They had no choice but to pursue home rule, even at risk of fracturing or destroying their own party.
From Salon • Oct. 19, 2024
Under the operation of this "home rule" provision, 85 of the 102 counties of the state have adopted the township system.
From Government in the United States National, State and Local by Garner, James Wilford
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
