home rule

noun

Synonyms of home rulenext
: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (such as a territory or municipality)

Examples of home rule in a Sentence

The citizens petitioned for home rule.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Palmer, as well as the challengers, also support changing the city of Willow Park to a home rule charter. — Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 May 2026 Dillon’s Rule contrasts with home rule, which grants local governments power to act in areas not prohibited by the state. — Mark Dee april 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2026 Despite his battles over work-from-home rules, the governor insisted repeatedly over the past year that all state workers would be getting good raises. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026 Wu signed a home rule petition Thursday that will now be sent up to Beacon Hill for consideration by state lawmakers. — Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for home rule

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of home rule was in 1858

Rhymes for home rule

See All Rhymes for home rule

Browse Nearby Words

home row
home rule
home ruler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Home rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/home%20rule. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

home rule

noun
: self-government in local affairs by the citizens of a local political unit

Legal Definition

home rule

noun
: self-government or limited autonomy in internal affairs by a dependent political unit (as a territory or municipality)
also : the political theory or principle of self-government

More from Merriam-Webster on home rule

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for home rule

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about home rule

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