ruling

[roo-ling]

noun

1. an authoritative decision, as one by a judge on a debated point of law.

2. the act of drawing straight lines with a ruler.

3. ruled lines.

adjective

1. governing or dominating.

   the ruling party.

2. controlling; predominating.

   the ruling factor in recovery from an illness.

3. widespread; prevalent.

   ruling prices; ruling values.

ruling

/ ˈruːlɪŋ /

noun

1. a decision of someone in authority, such as a judge

2. one or more parallel ruled lines

adjective

1. controlling or exercising authority

   the ruling classes

2. prevalent or predominant

Other Word Forms

• nonruling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruling¹

1175–1225; Middle English (gerund); rule, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

“The facts do not justify the President’s actions in Illinois, even giving substantial deference to his assertions,” they said in a 3-0 ruling last week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Overall, Carney’s ruling Liberal Party is tied in polls with the opposition Conservatives.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling paved the way for sports betting, more than 35 states have legalized it, so I understand why the industry no longer feels dirty.

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But the case against Garibashvili is the first prosecution of a senior member of Georgia's governing elite, and it comes amid the ruling party's authoritarian pivot away from the West.

Read more on BBC

In July 2024, a Court of Appeal ruling on the legal definition of enemy, in a separate case concerning Russian interference in the UK, set off alarm bells in the CPS.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• decision 
• directive 
• edict 
• finding 
• law 
• order 
• resolution 
• rule 
• verdict