1
: an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel's head to turn in the same direction
2
: a movable auxiliary airfoil on an airplane usually attached at the rear end that serves to control direction of flight in the horizontal plane see airplane illustration
3
: a guiding force or strategy
Examples of rudder in a Sentence
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But President Donald Trump’s impact on the economy so far has been less a matter of turning the ship’s rudder and more similar to a ship firing torpedoes at itself.
—
Josh Bivens, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
The flight control stick remained attached to the installation area while the top of the rudder and vertical stabilizers were found bent 90 degrees to the right.
—Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2024
That duo eliminates the need for your typical drive shafts and rudders—meaning that drag is significantly reduced and efficiently is increased, according to the yard.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
The Douglas World Cruisers had a wingspan of 50 ft; and a length from propeller to rudder of just under 40 ft.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rudder
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Josh Bivens, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
The flight control stick remained attached to the installation area while the top of the rudder and vertical stabilizers were found bent 90 degrees to the right.
—Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2024
That duo eliminates the need for your typical drive shafts and rudders—meaning that drag is significantly reduced and efficiently is increased, according to the yard.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
The Douglas World Cruisers had a wingspan of 50 ft; and a length from propeller to rudder of just under 40 ft.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rudder
Cite this Entry
“Rudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudder. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rudder
noun
rud·der
ˈrəd-ər 
: a flat movable piece (as of wood or metal) attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering
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