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

Colette Gribben, an eight-year-old girl from Oakland, played around the Measure Me! exhibit, using the rulers to measure her height. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 22 June 2024

Was Marcus Aurelius, the 'philosopher emperor', the greatest ruler in Roman history? Britannica. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2024

Hardy starred opposite Charlize Theron in 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, playing two characters who join forces to outrun a tyrannical ruler in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 18 June 2024

Your ruler Venus is in your 9th House of Foreign Cultures, giving you a taste for unfamiliar flavors. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 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