ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ruled

v. · adj.
US //ˈɹuɫd// UK //ɹˈuːld// ruled
  1. 1 governed a country (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    controlled or governed a country, group, or area.

    exercised ultimate authority or control over a nation, territory, or people.

    Example

    The queen ruled the country for over sixty years during a time of peace.

    Example

    The dynasty ruled the region for centuries, maintaining stability through a complex system of alliances and military strength.

    Usage

    Often used with 'over' when describing the territory or people being controlled.
  2. 2 made a legal decision (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    made an official or legal decision about something.

    delivered an authoritative or judicial decision on a specific matter.

    Example

    The judge ruled that the evidence could not be used in the trial.

    Example

    The supreme court ruled against the government, declaring the new tax law unconstitutional and unenforceable.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by a 'that' clause or the preposition 'on' or 'against'.
  3. 3 paper with lines (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    paper that has straight horizontal lines printed on it to help you write straight.

    marked with parallel horizontal lines to guide handwriting.

    Example

    Please write your essay on ruled paper so it is easy to read.

    Example

    The students were required to submit their handwritten assignments on wide-ruled paper to allow space for teacher comments.

    Usage

    Usually placed immediately before the noun 'paper' or 'notebook'.
  4. 4 geometry (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a surface made up of straight lines.

    describing a surface that can be generated by the motion of a straight line.

    Example

    The architect designed a building with a curved, ruled surface.

    Example

    A hyperboloid of one sheet is a classic example of a doubly ruled surface in three-dimensional Euclidean space.

Last updated June 19, 2026