home rule

American  

noun

1. self-government in local matters by a city, province, state, colony, or the like.

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home rule ¹ British  

noun

1. self-government, esp in domestic affairs

2. 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

3. the partial autonomy sometimes granted to a national minority or a colony

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Home Rule ² British  

noun

1. self-government for Ireland: the goal of the Irish Nationalists from about 1870 to 1920

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Etymology

Origin of home rule

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

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

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

To repeal home rule, they would have to pass a law through Congress.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2024

They had no choice but to pursue home rule, even at risk of fracturing or destroying their own party.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2024

This was execrable jurisprudence, and even Mr. Cass, who was really the father of the idea of home rule in the Territories, dissented from it, and voted for Mr. Chase's amendment.

From The Middle Period 1817-1858 by Burgess, John William

Related Words

• self-determination
• self-rule