# ruler

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɹuːlə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #9,091

## Definitions
1. A (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a straightedge with markings.
2. A person who rules or governs; someone or something that exercises dominion or controlling power over others.

## Etymology
From Middle English reuler; equivalent to rule + -er.

## Easily confused with
- **ruse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-ruse)
- **rune** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rune)
- **rules** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rules)
- **rumor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rumor)
- **ryder** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-ryder)
- **rupee** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rupee)
- **runner** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-runner)
- **Rupert** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rupert)
- **rusher** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rusher)
- **rutter** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruler-vs-rutter)
- **rue** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rue-vs-ruler)
- **rule** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rule-vs-ruler)
- **rude** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rude-vs-ruler)
- **rube** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rube-vs-ruler)
- **Ruhr** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruhr-vs-ruler)
- **river** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/river-vs-ruler)
- **refer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/refer-vs-ruler)
- **roles** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/roles-vs-ruler)
- **roger** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/roger-vs-ruler)
- **ruled** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ruled-vs-ruler)

## Common misspellings (7)
`rluer`, `rruler`, `ruelr`, `rulerr`, `ruller`, `rulre`, `urler`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ruler