: 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
Synonyms
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
Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
Reacting to today's ruling, ANC leader and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed concerns about further violence.
—Kate Bartlett, NPR, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ruling 
Noun
In the time between that ruling and the appeal’s hearing, exploration in a neighboring canyon wrapped up, effectively excusing it from the litigation.
—Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
Reacting to today's ruling, ANC leader and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed concerns about further violence.
—Kate Bartlett, NPR, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ruling
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ruling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ruling
Cite this Entry
“Ruling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruling. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
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