ruler
English
A ruler (measuring device).
Etymology
From Middle English reuler; equivalent to rule + -er.
Pronunciation
audio (US) (file) - (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɹuːlə(ɹ)/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɹulɚ/
Audio (file) - Rhymes: -uːlə(ɹ)
Noun
ruler (plural rulers)
- A (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a straightedge with markings.
- A person who rules or governs; someone or something that exercises dominion or controlling power over others.
- 1983, Richard Ellis, The Book of Sharks, Knopf, →ISBN, page 122:
- The carcharhinids are unquestionably the rulers of the seas, because of their abundance, their strength and speed, and their unchallenged position as the number one predators in the marine ecosystem.
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Usage notes
In American English, the word "ruler" is often used specifically to refer to such a measuring device that is one foot (12 inches) long. Used in contrast with "yardstick" and "meter stick."
Synonyms
- See Thesaurus:ruler
- (measuring instrument): rule
Hyponyms
- See Thesaurus:ruler
Translations
measuring or drawing device
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person who rules or governs
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout#Translations.
Translations to be checked
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Verb
ruler (third-person singular simple present rulers, present participle rulering, simple past and past participle rulered)
- (transitive) To beat with a ruler (as a traditional school punishment).
Further reading
- ruler in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
- ruler in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
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