noun
Common
ruling
ROO-lihng
Ruling (noun) means an official decision made by a judge or other authority on a legal or procedural question. Example: “The judge issued a ruling in favor of the defendant.”
noun
1
An official decision made by a judge or other authority on a legal or procedural question.
"The judge issued a ruling in favor of the defendant."
"The committee's ruling meant the match would be replayed."
"Everyone accepted the referee's ruling, even though it was a close call."
adj
1
Currently in power or exercising the most control or influence.
"The ruling party promised tax reforms before the election."
"The ruling family has lived in the palace for generations."
"The ruling classes once controlled most of the land."
How to use ruling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official legal decision, or (as an adjective) currently in charge.
Common pairings
issue a ruling
ruling party
court ruling
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Word forms
- Plural
- rulings
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The judge issued a _____ in favor of the defendant.
Etymology
Formed from rule plus the -ing ending.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for ruling
See all rhymes for ruling →Frequently asked questions
What does “ruling” mean?
The word “ruling” means an official decision made by a judge or other authority on a legal or procedural question. In plain terms, an official legal decision, or (as an adjective) currently in charge.
How do you pronounce “ruling”?
“Ruling” is pronounced ROO-lihng (/ˈɹuːlɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ruling” in a sentence?
Here is “ruling” used in a sentence: “The judge issued a ruling in favor of the defendant.”
What part of speech is “ruling”?
Depending on how it is used, “ruling” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “ruling” a common word?
“Ruling” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ruling” have?
“Ruling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official decision made by a judge or other authority on a legal or procedural question.
What is the difference between a "ruling" and a "verdict"?
A ruling is an official decision made by a judge on a legal or procedural question, such as whether a piece of evidence is admissible. A verdict is the formal finding on the ultimate issue of a case, typically the decision of a jury on guilt or liability. Judges issue rulings throughout a trial, while a verdict comes at the end.
What is the difference between a "ruling" and a "judgment" in law?
A ruling is a decision on a specific point, motion, or procedural question, while a judgment is the court's final, binding decision that resolves the case as a whole. A single case may involve many rulings but usually ends in one judgment.
What verbs are commonly used with "ruling"?
Judges "hand down," "issue," or "make" a ruling, and a higher court may "uphold," "overturn," or "reverse" it. These collocations all draw on the noun sense of an official legal decision.
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