ruler
Ruler (noun) means a flat, straight-edged tool marked with measurement units, used for drawing lines or measuring length. Example: “He measured the box with a wooden ruler.”
How to use ruler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the measuring tool in your pencil case, or a monarch/leader in charge of a country.
Word forms
- Singular
- rulers
- Plural
- rulers
- Past tense
- rulered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He measured the box with a wooden _____.
Etymology
From Middle English reuler, formed from rule plus the agent suffix -er.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ruler” mean?
The word “ruler” means a flat, straight-edged tool marked with measurement units, used for drawing lines or measuring length. In plain terms, either the measuring tool in your pencil case, or a monarch/leader in charge of a country.
How do you pronounce “ruler”?
“Ruler” is pronounced ROO-luh (/ˈɹulɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ruler” in a sentence?
Here is “ruler” used in a sentence: “He measured the box with a wooden ruler.”
What is another word for “ruler”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ruler” include overling and provost.
What part of speech is “ruler”?
“Ruler” is a noun.
Where does the word “ruler” come from?
The word “ruler” comes from Middle English. From Middle English reuler, formed from rule plus the agent suffix -er.
Is “ruler” a common word?
“Ruler” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “ruler” have?
“Ruler” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat, straight-edged tool marked with measurement units, used for drawing lines or measuring length.
What is the difference between a ruler and a monarch?
A ruler is a general term for any person who governs or holds supreme authority over a country or people, including monarchs, presidents, or dictators. A monarch is a specific type of ruler whose position is typically hereditary, such as a king or queen.
What is the difference between a ruler and a leader?
A ruler holds supreme governing authority, often unchecked or long-term, over a country or people, while a leader can guide any group, from a country to a small team, without necessarily holding formal governing power. All rulers are leaders in a broad sense, but not all leaders are rulers.
Why does ruler have two such different meanings?
Ruler refers both to a measuring tool with a straight edge marked in units and to a person who governs, and the two senses are unrelated in origin despite sharing the same spelling. Context, such as talk of drawing lines versus governing a country, makes clear which meaning is intended.
