different between ruler vs kingpin

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /??u?l?(?)/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??ul?/
• Rhymes: -u?l?(?)

Noun

ruler (plural rulers)

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.

Usage notes

In American English, the word "ruler" is often used specifically to refer to such a measuring device that is one foot (12 inches) long. Used in contrast with "yardstick" and "meter stick."

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:ruler
• (measuring instrument): rule

Hyponyms

• See Thesaurus:ruler

Translations

Verb

ruler (third-person singular simple present rulers, present participle rulering, simple past and past participle rulered)

1. (transitive) To beat with a ruler (as a traditional school punishment).

Further reading

• ruler in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• ruler in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• ruler on Wikimedia Commons.Wikimedia Commons

Anagrams

• lurer

Cebuano

Etymology

From English ruler, from Middle English reuler.

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: ru?ler

Noun

ruler

1. a ruler

English

Etymology

king +? pin

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?k??.p?n/

Noun

kingpin (plural kingpins)

1. (transport) The axis around which steered wheels pivot; a bolt that holds the axis in place—a kingbolt.
2. (transport) The pivot or connector between a tractor and trailer in the fifth-wheel coupling of semi-trailer truck.
3. (ten-pin bowling) The pin at the centre of the triangle of bowling pins (originally the tallest pin in kayles). Sometimes also the headpin at the apex.
4. The most important person in an undertaking or organization.
5. The bolt holding together the truck of a roller skate or skateboard.

Synonyms

• (most important person): big cheese, big enchilada, big tamale, big kahuna, bigwig, big wheel, grand poobah, head honcho, muckety muck, top banana, top dog, big noise

Descendants

• ? Cebuano: kingpin

Translations

Anagrams

• pink gin, pinking

Cebuano

Etymology

From English kingpin.

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: king?pin

Noun

kingpin

1. a kingpin; the most important person in an undertaking or organization