golden rule

noun

1
capitalized G&R : a rule of ethical conduct referring to Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31: do to others as you would have them do to you
2
: a guiding principle

Examples of golden rule in a Sentence

I try to live by the Golden Rule. The golden rule in sales is to know your customer.
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.
But just kind of spreading that message that, hey, that whole golden rule thing. Kailey Schuyler, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Otherwise, without full consent and reciprocity, the golden rule does not apply. John Hodgman, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 And everyone deserves the same level of respect—that's the golden rule of thrifting. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 Gray stresses just one golden rule for this pick: let your base coat dry completely before swiping on the gloss topper. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for golden rule

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of golden rule was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Golden rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golden%20rule. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

golden rule

noun
: a rule that one should treat others as one would like to be treated

More from Merriam-Webster on golden rule

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