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
Standard rulers, chopsticks, paint stirrers, dowels, or thin cutting boards can all be used as guides.
—
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
In it, James Franco portrays Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus magician who’s transported from Kansas to the Land of Oz — where residents expect a great and powerful wizard to take over as ruler.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025
Trump also lavished the Saudi ruler this week with some of Washington's highest honors for a foreign dignitary, deepening the business and military relationship between the two nations.
—Stephen Groves, Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025
Fair’s beloved shop cat of seven years, accidental hitchhiker, serial stroller-napper and unapologetic ruler of his tiny world on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence.
—Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruler
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
In it, James Franco portrays Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus magician who’s transported from Kansas to the Land of Oz — where residents expect a great and powerful wizard to take over as ruler.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025
Trump also lavished the Saudi ruler this week with some of Washington's highest honors for a foreign dignitary, deepening the business and military relationship between the two nations.
—Stephen Groves, Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025
Fair’s beloved shop cat of seven years, accidental hitchhiker, serial stroller-napper and unapologetic ruler of his tiny world on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence.
—Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruler. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
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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