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
Local leaders have protested the move, calling it an unprecedented intrusion on home rule.
From Salon • Aug. 17, 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
Serrott agreed, finding that the law was only designed to prevent cities from exercising home rule.
From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024
In spite of the conservative element in England and the British element in Ireland, the modus vivendi of home rule was arranged.
From The Invisible Censor by Hackett, Francis
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.
