ruling

American  

[roo-ling] / ˈru lɪŋ /

noun

1. an authoritative decision, as one by a judge on a debated point of law.

2. the act of drawing straight lines with a ruler.

3. ruled lines.

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adjective

1. governing or dominating.

   the ruling party.

2. controlling; predominating.

   the ruling factor in recovery from an illness.

3. widespread; prevalent.

   ruling prices; ruling values.

ruling British  

/ ˈruːlɪŋ /

noun

1. a decision of someone in authority, such as a judge

2. one or more parallel ruled lines

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adjective

1. controlling or exercising authority

   the ruling classes

2. prevalent or predominant

Other Word Forms

• nonruling noun

Etymology

Origin of ruling

1175–1225; Middle English (gerund); rule, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Zsófia Fülöp, a journalist at Hungary's only dedicated independent fact-checking website, Lakmusz, says while such narratives from the ruling party are not new, the use of generative AI is.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Pirro had immediately promised to appeal the ruling and filed a motion asking Boasberg to reconsider last month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Antonov's lawyer said that his client would challenge the ruling.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Thursday’s ruling does not resolve the broader questions raised by the case but significantly narrows the terrain ahead of a trial scheduled to begin in May.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The ruling marked a significant victory for freedom of the press, and it liberated media outlets and publishers to talk more honestly about civil rights protests and activism.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• decision
• directive
• edict
• finding
• law
• order
• resolution
• rule
• verdict