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.
A Danish colony until 1953, Greenland gained home rule 26 years later and is contemplating eventually loosening its ties with Denmark.
From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, and did not gain home rule until 1979, however Copenhagen continued to oversee the healthcare system, before Greenland took responsibility in 1992.
From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025
Local leaders have protested the move, calling it an unprecedented intrusion on home rule.
From Salon • Aug. 17, 2025
Congress has given D.C. a significant measure of home rule, including control of its police force.
From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025
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.
