ruler

[roo-ler]

noun

1. a person who rules or governs; sovereign.

2. Also a strip of wood, metal, or other material having a straight edge and usually marked off in inches or centimeters, used for drawing lines, measuring, etc.

3. a person or thing that rules paper, wood, etc.

4. Astrology.,  the planet primarily associated with any sign of the zodiac or any house of the horoscope.

   The ruler of Aries is Mars. The ruler of Taurus is Venus.

ruler

/ ˈruːlə /

noun

1. a person who rules or commands

2. Also called: rule. a strip of wood, metal, or other material, having straight edges graduated usually in millimetres or inches, used for measuring and drawing straight lines

Other Word Forms

• subruler noun
• underruler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruler¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; rule, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Saudi Arabia has rejected that report, and the crown prince, who is effectively the kingdom's ruler, has denied any role in the murder.

From BBC

According to Sharp, “The rulers of governments and political systems are not omnipotent, nor do they possess self-generating power.”

From Salon

In Gaza, where Israel is also the occupying power, Hamas has been the sole ruler since 2007.

From BBC

“He is taking a page from authoritarian rulers around the world who have used crime as an excuse to consolidate power and suppress rights.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mary Roy turned much of her fury on her son, once beating him until a wooden ruler broke, punishment for being merely "average" while his sister excelled in school.

From BBC

Related Words

• czar 
• emperor 
• king 
• monarch 
• shah 
• sultan