overruling I. adjective Etymology: from present participle of overrule (I) 1.: serving to overrule < an overruling opinion > 2.: overriding < the overruling end of government — J.P.deC.Day > • over·rul·ing·lyadverb II. noun Etymology: from gerund of overrule (I) : the act of one that overrules : an instance of such an act