First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1policy
noun, pol·i·cy often attributive \ˈpä-lə-sē\
plural pol·i·cies
Definition of POLICY
1
a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest
2
a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body
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Origin of POLICY
Middle English policie government, policy, from Middle French police, policie — more at police
Rhymes with POLICY
2policy
noun
plural policies
Definition of POLICY
1
: a writing whereby a contract of insurance is made
2
a : a daily lottery in which participants bet that certain numbers will be drawn from a lottery wheel b : number 7a
Origin of POLICY
alteration of earlier police, from Middle French, certificate, from Old Italian polizza, modification of Medieval Latin apodixa receipt, from Middle Greek apodeixis, from Greek, proof, from apodeiknynai to demonstrate — more at apodictic
First Known Use: 1565
POLICY Defined for Kids
1policy
noun pol·i·cy \ˈpä-lə-sē\
plural pol·i·cies
Definition of POLICY for Kids
: a set of guidelines or rules that determine a course of action <What is the store's return policy?>
2policy
noun
plural pol·i·cies
Definition of POLICY for Kids
: a document that contains the agreement made by an insurance company with a person whose life or property is insured
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Next Word in the Dictionary: policyholderPrevious Word in the Dictionary: policizeAll Words Near: policy
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