: an official or authoritative decision, decree, statement, or interpretation (as by a judge on a point of law)
1
a
: exerting power or authority
the ruling party
b
: chief, predominating
a ruling passion
2
: generally prevailing
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
Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
What To Know Monday's ruling comes just one day before the Federal Reserve begins a crucial two-day interest rate-setting meeting.
—Adeola Adeosun
robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
But opponents saw the move as an attempt by López Obrador to strengthen the power of his ruling Morena party by overhauling the very judiciary that often blocked some of his policy proposals.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruling
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Noun
Trump’s attorneys on Thursday had submitted an emergency request to pause a lower-court ruling, which barred Cook’s firing from taking effect while her lawsuit against the president’s action continues.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
What To Know Monday's ruling comes just one day before the Federal Reserve begins a crucial two-day interest rate-setting meeting.
—Adeola Adeosun
robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Critics argue the measures target urban, educated, and affluent voters who may not support the ruling Fidesz party.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
But opponents saw the move as an attempt by López Obrador to strengthen the power of his ruling Morena party by overhauling the very judiciary that often blocked some of his policy proposals.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruling
Cite this Entry
“Ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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