rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrō-tər 

1

a

: a part that revolves in a stationary part

a brake rotor

b

: the rotating member of an electrical machine

2

: an assembly of rotating blades that supplies lift or stability for a rotorcraft

Examples of rotor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Viper can fly up to a wall, window or other vertical surface, flip ninety degrees and use its rotors to press itself against the surface. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Picture an offshore wind skyscraper made of rotors. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

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

Stopping power comes courtesy of hydraulic disc brakes with 160-mm rotors. —New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

contraction of rotator

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rotor

• tilt-rotor

Rhymes for rotor

• boater
• floater
• motor
• voter
• locomotor
• psychomotor
• servomotor
• vasomotor
• oculomotor
• sensorimotor
• premotor
• promoter

Kids Definition

rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrōt-ər 

1

: a part that rotates in a stationary part (as in an electrical machine)

2

: a complete system of rotating blades that support a helicopter in flight