rudder

noun

rud·​der ˈrə-dər 

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

rudderless

ˈrə-dər-ləs 

adjective

Examples of rudder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another student pilot who was taking off had reported that the pilot of the plane had an issue with his rudder and was circling the airport but couldn’t land. —Abigail Hasebroock, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025

The plane had been headed for Tallahassee International Airport, but the pilot reported rudder issues not long after departing from Boca Raton Airport, sources told NBC News. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025

Thanks to their thick double coat that protects them from the cold, and their tail that functions like a rudder in the water, Labrador retrievers are also great for working in the water. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

An onboard control system can rotate each blade around its own axis in real-time for simultaneous propulsion and steering of the vessel without needing to install a rudder. —New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rother, from Old English rōther paddle; akin to Old English rōwan to row

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rudder

• scudder
• shudder
• udder

Kids 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