ruler

noun

rul·​er ˈrü-lər How to pronounce ruler (audio)
1
: one that rules
specifically : sovereign
2
: a worker or a machine that rules paper
3
: a smooth-edged strip (as of wood or metal) that is usually marked off in units (such as inches) and is used as a straightedge or for measuring
rulership noun

Examples of ruler in a Sentence

a summit attended by a number of rulers from around the world This ruler shows inches and centimeters.
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.
Many Christian clerics and secular rulers in western Europe believed that the popes needed to return to Rome, to distance papal authority from French influence. Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025 After all, cats may not think of themselves as 'cats' but as rulers of their kingdoms, so perhaps being allergic to one's subjects isn't so surprising. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 The crown prince, the de facto ruler of the oil-rich kingdom, also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio early Thursday. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Centering on an extravagantly coifed and costumed Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou, the onetime ruthless ruler of a dehydrated parallel universe, the action veers from camp to cartoon and back again. Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ruler 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruler was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ruler

Cite this Entry

“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruler. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ruler

noun
rul·​er ˈrü-lər How to pronounce ruler (audio)
1
2
: a straight strip of material (as wood or metal) marked off in units and used as a guide in drawing lines or for measuring

More from Merriam-Webster on ruler

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