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
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
Advertisement Advertisement That makes The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia, House’s new book about Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, essential reading.
—
Edward Felsenthal, Time, 23 July 2025
Hadrian’s Aqueduct, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 125 C.E. and completed in 140, is one of several projects the ruler, known for his proclivity to build, has to his name.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2025
Or of my nephew at Catholic school in the nineties, having his curls measured for height, not length, by a ruler placed atop his head.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Much of his appeal lay in the anti-corruption ethos that was a central plank of his agenda, both as a military and civilian ruler.
—Benjamin Ezeamalu, USA Today, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruler
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Edward Felsenthal, Time, 23 July 2025
Hadrian’s Aqueduct, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 125 C.E. and completed in 140, is one of several projects the ruler, known for his proclivity to build, has to his name.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2025
Or of my nephew at Catholic school in the nineties, having his curls measured for height, not length, by a ruler placed atop his head.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Much of his appeal lay in the anti-corruption ethos that was a central plank of his agenda, both as a military and civilian ruler.
—Benjamin Ezeamalu, USA Today, 14 July 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 31 Jul. 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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