ruling

1 of 2

noun

rul·​ing ˈrü-liŋ How to pronounce ruling (audio)
: 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

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
But the duties were allowed to remain in effect while the Trump administration appeals the ruling against them. Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 Trump was given 10 days to put the injunction into effect, per the order accompanying the ruling. Chad De Guzman, Time, 30 May 2025
Adjective
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 His ruling Fidesz party has said the Pride march could be considered harmful to children and that protecting them would supersede the right to assemble. Reuters, NBC news, 27 May 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruling. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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

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