ruling

American  

[roo-ling] / ˈru lɪŋ /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈruːlɪŋ /

noun

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

2. one or more parallel ruled lines

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adjective

1. controlling or exercising authority

   the ruling classes

2. prevalent or predominant

Other Word Forms

• nonruling noun

Etymology

Origin of ruling

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

Example Sentences

"This issue was raised with me by parents, and I know many parents would welcome a decisive statement from the Labour Party and Plaid Cymru ruling it out entirely for the future."

From BBC

Adams strenuously denies any involvement in the London and Manchester bombings in 1973 and 1996 and has denied ever being a member of the IRA or sitting on its ruling army council.

From BBC

The local authority returned to court on Thursday as it attempted to appeal against the High Court ruling.

From BBC

The supreme leader must also be a mujtahid, a cleric qualified to issue religious rulings.

From The Wall Street Journal

The country's petroleum ministry has reassured the public that India "has sufficient energy reserves", without ruling out potential measures to mitigate the impact.

From Barron's

Related Words

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