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
But the plans sparked a dispute with the Oba of Benin, the traditional ruler, who argued that the items were stolen from his ancestors and should be returned to his family.
—
Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Speaking of practicality, there’s a 9-in-1 multitool pen that acts as an LED light, stylus, ruler, bubble level, bottle opener, screwdriver, and ballpoint pen.
—Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025
Successive Iranian rulers believed that dams, deep wells, and inter-basin transfers could outsmart geography and climate.
—Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
For a while, the father and daughter find refuge with the Shaybani people, thanks to their ruler Hani (Tunisian French actor Sami Bouajila), but Hind eventually must take the reins of her destiny.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruler
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Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Speaking of practicality, there’s a 9-in-1 multitool pen that acts as an LED light, stylus, ruler, bubble level, bottle opener, screwdriver, and ballpoint pen.
—Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025
Successive Iranian rulers believed that dams, deep wells, and inter-basin transfers could outsmart geography and climate.
—Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
For a while, the father and daughter find refuge with the Shaybani people, thanks to their ruler Hani (Tunisian French actor Sami Bouajila), but Hind eventually must take the reins of her destiny.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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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