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

But in the eyes of Egypt’s rulers after the 1952 revolution, economic development was the real key to modernity. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025

Now, she's passed the Queen of Pop's 12 rulers, establishing herself as the female act with the greatest number of No. 1s. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Nowhere is this dynamic more evident than in Syria, where years of war have weakened relations between the country’s center and its periphery and given rise to a variety of local rulers. —Maha Yahya, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2025

The sanctions on potash cut an important economic lifeline for the Belarusian ruler but handed a windfall to Russia, another big producer, as global prices spiked. —Tomas Dapkus, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ruler

• co-ruler

Rhymes for ruler

• cooler
• jeweller
• schooler
• schuller
• preschooler
• vestibular

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