propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpe-lər How to pronounce propeller (audio)
variants or less commonly propellor
: one that propels
especially : a device that consists of a central hub with radiating blades placed and twisted so that each forms part of a helical surface and that is used to propel a vehicle (such as a ship or airplane)

Examples of propeller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The helicopter then crashes into the aircraft and strikes it multiple times with its propeller before the engine dies, the video shows. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 31 Oct. 2024 The propeller spurts into life and the pilots ensuring a smooth takeoff begin their high-speed chase down the tarmac. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 As a result, none of the four means available to help control the Dali—the vessel’s propeller, rudder, anchor or bow thruster—worked when they were needed to avoid or even lessen the impacts of the allision. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Sep. 2024 This hull shape allows the propeller to be larger than the norm yet with the forward- facing pulling propeller on the thruster behind, the revolutions of the propellers is less for higher efficiency and less vibration. Bill Springer, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for propeller 

Word History

Etymology

propel + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propeller was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near propeller

Cite this Entry

“Propeller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propeller. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

propeller

noun
pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpel-ər How to pronounce propeller (audio)
: a device consisting of a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and is used especially for propelling airplanes and ships

More from Merriam-Webster on propeller

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!