ruling

1 of 2

noun

rul·​ing ˈrü-liŋ How to pronounce ruling (audio)
Synonyms of rulingnext
: an official or authoritative decision, decree, statement, or interpretation (as by a judge on a point of law)

ruling

2 of 2

adjective

1
a
: exerting power or authority
the ruling party
b
: chief, predominating
a ruling passion
2
: generally prevailing
the ruling prices

Synonyms of ruling

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Noun

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of ruling in a Sentence

Noun The decision overturns the Supreme Court's earlier ruling. She disputed the referee's ruling. Adjective members of the ruling class the ruling opinion on premarital sex
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The ruling led to the termination of TPS on Monday for 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians nationwide. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026 However, her asylum claim was ultimately denied, and she was ordered deported, the ruling said. — Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
Adjective
The event was attended by senior figures from the ruling Socialist Party, including Nahum Fernández and Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez, according to information released by Maduro Guerra. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 The groups are a staple of pro-ruling party demonstrations. — ABC News, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruling was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ruling

Rhymes for ruling

See All Rhymes for ruling

Browse Nearby Words

rule with a rod of iron
ruling
ruling elder
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Cite this Entry

“Ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruling. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ruling

noun
rul·​ing
ˈrü-liŋ
: an official decision (as by a judge)

Legal Definition

ruling

noun
rul·​ing
: an official or authoritative determination, decree, statement, or interpretation (as by a judge on a question of law)
followed a previous ruling on the same question
see also revenue ruling compare decision, disposition, finding, holding, judgment, opinion, verdict

More from Merriam-Webster on ruling

Nglish: Translation of ruling for Spanish Speakers

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