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
The visit was already a diplomatic test for the prince, involving a meeting with the crown prince and de facto Saudi ruler, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
—
Max Foster, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Then Johor’s rulers encouraged Chinese immigrants to plant vast plantations of pepper and gambier, a native shrub whose leaves produced a chemical used to tan leather and dye khaki fabric.
—Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
The current ruler wore the regulation uniform of white pants, a dark jacket, a tie in the national colors, and a white hat.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 5 Feb. 2026
And third, taking Maduro off the board was a force-multiplier for the administration’s Cuba policy, which centers on increasing economic pressure on the island until its aging rulers either wither away or negotiate their own demise.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
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Max Foster, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Then Johor’s rulers encouraged Chinese immigrants to plant vast plantations of pepper and gambier, a native shrub whose leaves produced a chemical used to tan leather and dye khaki fabric.
—Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
The current ruler wore the regulation uniform of white pants, a dark jacket, a tie in the national colors, and a white hat.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 5 Feb. 2026
And third, taking Maduro off the board was a force-multiplier for the administration’s Cuba policy, which centers on increasing economic pressure on the island until its aging rulers either wither away or negotiate their own demise.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 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 11 Feb. 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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