ruler
ROO-luh
Ruler (noun) means a flat, straight-edged tool marked with measurement units, used for drawing lines or measuring length. Example: “Use a ruler to draw a straight line across the page.”
noun
1
A flat, straight-edged tool marked with measurement units, used for drawing lines or measuring length.
"Use a ruler to draw a straight line across the page."
"My pencil case holds a pen, a rubber and a plastic ruler."
"He measured the box with a wooden ruler."
2
A person who governs or holds supreme authority over a country or people.
"The people welcomed their new ruler with a great celebration."
"Stories describe a wise ruler who listened carefully to ordinary citizens."
"The ancient ruler expanded the empire's borders significantly."
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.
Common pairings
ruler and pencil
absolute ruler
sole ruler
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Word forms
- Plural
- rulers
- Third person singular
- rulers
- Past tense
- rulered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Use a _____ to draw a straight line across the page.
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.
