ruler

noun

rul·​er ˈrü-lər 

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

ˈrü-lər-ˌship 

noun

Synonyms

• autocrat
• monarch
• potentate
• sovereign
• sovran

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

Iran’s rulers once claimed to offer an exportable Islamist model that could rival both capitalism and communism. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024

Instead, Assad, the second son of former Syrian ruler Hafez Assad, planned to be an ophthalmologist. —Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024

Before December comes to a close, your celestial ruler, Venus, will also clash with Uranus in your sign, and things could get... well, interesting. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Last Imposed in South Korea Following the assassination of Park, President Choi Kyu-hah began governing as a civilian ruler, but eventually resorted to martial law to secure his power-base. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ruler

• co-ruler

Kids Definition

ruler

noun

rul·​er ˈrü-lər 

1

: sovereign entry 1 sense 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