ruler

1 of 2

noun (1)

rul·er ˈrü-lər

Synonyms of ruler

: one that rules

specifically : sovereign

: a worker or a machine that rules paper

: 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

rulership

2 of 2

noun (2)

rul·er·ship -ˌship

: the office, function, or status of a ruler : rule, sovereignty

Examples of ruler in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.

Noun

Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026 Critics of Iran's clerical rulers hoped initially that Iran's government would collapse amid a bombing campaign that killed Iran's most senior military and religious officials, including its supreme leader. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 During the Sengoku period, clan leader Isshin Ashina leads a successful rebellion against the rulers to secure Ashina’s independence. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 At night, Axira leads a secret operation, smuggling the ruler’s Heartfillers — until one mistake results in her execution date, per the book’s synopsis. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruler

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruler. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ruler

noun

rul·er ˈrü-lər

: sovereign entry 1 sense 1

: a straight strip of material (as wood or metal) marked off in units and used as a guide in drawing lines or for measuring

ruler

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of ruler

Examples of ruler in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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ruler

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of ruler

Examples of ruler in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing ruler

Rhymes for ruler

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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