rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

transitive verb

1
2
: to make impossible : prevent
heavy rain ruled out the picnic

Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament
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.
For his part, Dimon has repeatedly denied having government ambitions — but has never fully ruled out the possibility of serving in office if the timing is right. Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 The Rams ruled out defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (neck) for the second consecutive week. Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 9 Nov. 2024 Williamson is not the only Pelican who is ruled out; the team will also be without their second-year guard, Jordan Hawkins. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Still, the review did not rule out that acupuncture may help balance hormones, increase ovulation rates, and reduce stress. Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rule out 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rule out was circa 1658

Dictionary Entries Near rule out

Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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