rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən 
1
a(1)
: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center
(2)
: the act or an instance of rotating something
b
: one complete turn : the angular displacement required to return a rotating body or figure to its original orientation
2
a
: return or succession in a series
rotation of the seasons
b
3
: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
4
: a game of pool in which all 15 object balls are shot in numerical order
5
: the series of pitchers on a baseball team who regularly start successive games in turn
Examples of rotation in a Sentence
the rotation of the Earth around its axis
the rotation of the Moon around the Earth
The Earth makes one rotation every day.
Alfalfa and corn are planted in rotation.
the rotation of the job of club president
The car needs a tire rotation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell know the quality of the rotation is going to make or break the Cubs' playoff hopes and success this season.
—
Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
During the team’s last homestand, fellow young talent Emmet Sheehan returned from Tommy John surgery with four sharp innings, and seemed primed to occupy an open spot in the Dodgers’ rotation moving forward.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Sear it, roast it, throw it on a sheet pan, bake it on parchment or even wrapped in swiss chard: Salmon deserves to be on regular rotation in your dinner lineup.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
To help guide you through the rest of summer and beyond, dermatologists help break down what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best kinds of products to have in rotation for smoother, clearer skin all over.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rotation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
During the team’s last homestand, fellow young talent Emmet Sheehan returned from Tommy John surgery with four sharp innings, and seemed primed to occupy an open spot in the Dodgers’ rotation moving forward.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Sear it, roast it, throw it on a sheet pan, bake it on parchment or even wrapped in swiss chard: Salmon deserves to be on regular rotation in your dinner lineup.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
To help guide you through the rest of summer and beyond, dermatologists help break down what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best kinds of products to have in rotation for smoother, clearer skin all over.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rotation
Cite this Entry
“Rotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
1
a
: the act of rotating especially on an axis
b
: one complete turn
2
Medical Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center
specifically
: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
rotation of the head to look over the shoulder
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