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
Synonyms of ruler
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
While other rulers of the era relied on religious omens or superstition to guide their kingdoms, Aristotle taught the young prince that the universe could be understood through human reason and keen observation.
—
Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Like the brothers, Amini was a member of Iran's Kurdish minority and lived in the country's western Kurdish heartland, where there has long been deep animosity and distrust toward the country's theocratic rulers.
—Omar Abdulkader, CBS News, 28 May 2026
The coins were minted between the 980s and the 1040s and bear the names of rulers including Æthelred II, Otto III, Harald Hardrada and the legendary King Cnut.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
To put the system’s incredible sensitivity into perspective, imagine the entire range of how light can bend is stretched out along a one-meter ruler.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
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Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Like the brothers, Amini was a member of Iran's Kurdish minority and lived in the country's western Kurdish heartland, where there has long been deep animosity and distrust toward the country's theocratic rulers.
—Omar Abdulkader, CBS News, 28 May 2026
The coins were minted between the 980s and the 1040s and bear the names of rulers including Æthelred II, Otto III, Harald Hardrada and the legendary King Cnut.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
To put the system’s incredible sensitivity into perspective, imagine the entire range of how light can bend is stretched out along a one-meter ruler.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruler. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ruler
noun
rul·er
ˈrü-lər 
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
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