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

In August, the Taliban rulers issued a ban on women’s voices and bare faces in public under new laws approved by the supreme leader in efforts to combat vice and promote virtue. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025

With your celestial ruler, Venus, entering Pisces on Jan. 2, your sixth house of daily routines gets a charming touch of love, harmony and creativity, encouraging you to enhance your self-care rituals and focus on your well-being. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

Overall, Shak ties with Maluma for the sixth-most rulers, both following J Balvin (36); Ozuna (34); Enrique Iglesias (32); Daddy Yankee (28); and Bad Bunny (25). —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 31 Dec. 2024

As your planetary ruler, Mercury, enters Capricorn on January 8, your attention turns to intimacy and deeper connections. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 26 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