ruler
English edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English reuler; equivalent to rule + -er.
Pronunciation edit
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɹuːlə(ɹ)/
- (UK, goose split) IPA(key): (measuring device) /ˈɹuː.lə/, [ˈɹʉwlə], (one who rules) /ˈɹuːl.ə/, [ˈɹʊwɫə]
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɹulɚ/
audio (US) (file)
- Rhymes: -uːlə(ɹ)
Noun edit
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.
- 1991, Chris Mullin, The Year of the Fire Monkey[1] (Fiction), London: Chatto & Windus, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 252:
- LIKE THE MANDARINS of old, the rulers of China live behind high walls. When they emerge, which they rarely do, they travel in cars with rear windows curtained like sedan chairs.
They live in the Chung Nan Hai, a walled park adjacent to the Forbidden City from where ancient dynasties ruled the Celestial Empire.
Usage notes edit
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 edit
- See Thesaurus:ruler
- (measuring instrument): rule
Hyponyms edit
- See Thesaurus:ruler
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
measuring or drawing device
|
person who rules or governs
|
a female person who rules or governs
|
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
Translations to be checked
|
Verb edit
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 edit
- “ruler”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
- “ruler”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.
- Category:ruler on Wikimedia Commons.Wikimedia Commons
Anagrams edit
Cebuano edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from English ruler, from Middle English reuler.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
ruler
- ruler (tool)
Tagalog edit
Etymology edit
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
ruler (Baybayin spelling ᜇᜓᜎᜒᜇ᜔)
Further reading edit
- “ruler”, in Pambansang Diksiyonaryo | Diksiyonaryo.ph, Manila, 2018