ground rule

noun

1. Usually ground rules. basic or governing principles of conduct in any situation or field of endeavor.

   the ground rules of press conferences.

2. Sports.,  any of certain rules specially adopted, as in baseball and softball, for dealing with situations or circumstances arising chiefly from the particular nature of the playing area or the interference of spectators.

ground rule

noun

1. a procedural rule or principle

Word History and Origins

Origin of ground rule¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

“All the ground rules for 50 years are either being overturned or are at risk of being overturned.”

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My mother did not live long enough to see all this happen, but even though I broke a few ground rules, I think she would be pleased with how it all worked out.

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"And so we are doing everything that we possibly can to keep fighting. And I think we will be successful; we just need to know what the ground rules are."

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He referred to the lack of pre-bout meeting between the fighters, referee and coaches to lay down the "ground rules" for the bout.

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“There are going to be some ground rules,” he said.

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Related Words

• code 
• guidance 
• instruction 
• protocol 
• rule