propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpe-lər 

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

Water-jets provide more efficient propulsion at speeds above 34 miles per hour, the analyst told Newsweek, compared with propellers, which are efficient between 23 and 34 miles per hour. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

About 17% of the whales had major injuries such as lacerations from propellers, amputations or blunt trauma. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025

The Falcon is smart, too, using a free-rotating propeller to provide improved maneuverability and handling. —New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2025

Each build has movable pieces, like the plane's propellers or rotor blades on the helicopter. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

propel + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing propeller

• propeller-head
• screw propeller

Rhymes for propeller

• bestseller
• bookseller
• flagellar
• impeller
• lamellar
• micellar
• modeller
• ocellar
• patellar
• reseller
• scutellar
• beller

Kids Definition

propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpel-ər 

: 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