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
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Princess Mako, a niece of Japan's Emperor Naruhito (and whose younger brother is the likely next ruler of Japan), married her longtime love, Kei Komuro, in a simple ceremony at a registry office on Oct. 26, 2021. Alex Apatoff, People.com, 15 July 2025 In 2019, during the first Trump administration, the State Department invoked a similar authority under the budget act to impose visa sanctions on Raúl Castro, the island's ultimate ruler, and his sons and daughters. arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025 Evanescence earns its first ruler on the survey, which began in 2009. Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 11 July 2025 Rebirth surges despite its B audience grade and holds well enough to still be the undisputed ruler of summer movie box office season. Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 9 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruler. Accessed 19 Jul. 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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