ruler

English

A ruler (measuring device).

Etymology

From Middle English reuler; equivalent to rule + -er.

Pronunciation

  • (file)
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɹuːlə(ɹ)/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɹulɚ/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -uːlə(ɹ)

Noun

ruler (plural rulers)

  1. A (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a straightedge with markings.
  2. 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.

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

Hyponyms

Translations

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.

Verb

ruler (third-person singular simple present rulers, present participle rulering, simple past and past participle rulered)

  1. (transitive) To beat with a ruler (as a traditional school punishment).

Further reading

Anagrams


Cebuano

Etymology

From English ruler, from Middle English reuler.

Pronunciation

  • Hyphenation: ru‧ler

Noun

ruler

  1. a ruler
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.