Robert's Rules of Order

Cultural  

1. A handbook for running meetings effectively and efficiently, based on the procedures used in the British parliament. The principles included in the handbook are applicable to any decision-making organization, from Congress to community club committees. The handbook sets the guidelines for such issues as leading debates; recognizing speakers; defining the role of the chair and other officers; proposing, seconding, and voting on motions; and writing and amending constitutions and bylaws.

---

Example Sentences

When discussions stalled, he didn’t wait: He would make a motion, and if Robert’s Rules of Order had allowed it, he might have seconded it too.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

In short, organizations—“golf course organizations, political organizations, teaching organizations, homeowners associations”—call him in to teach them how to properly use Robert’s Rules of Order, the standard manual for parliamentary procedure in the United States.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2024

They promised to come to school board meetings with respectful voices and fealty to Robert’s Rules of Order, the guide to how to run — and behave in — such proceedings.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2023

He’s read Robert’s Rules of Order cover to cover — twice.

From Washington Post • Apr. 6, 2016

Despite the layoffs just days before, the first 25 minutes were devoted to a procedural debate about the night’s agenda, with frequent mentions of Robert’s Rules of Order.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2013