rotary

1 of 2

adjective

ro·​ta·​ry ˈrō-tə-rē 

1

a

: turning on an axis like a wheel

b

: taking place about an axis

rotary motion

2

: having an important part that turns on an axis

rotary cutter

3

: characterized by rotation

4

: of, relating to, or being a press in which paper is printed by rotation in contact with a curved printing surface attached to a cylinder

rotary

2 of 2

noun

plural rotaries

1

: a rotary machine

2

: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only

called also circle, roundabout, traffic circle

Examples of rotary in a Sentence

Adjective

the rotary action of the wheel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The rotary club has raised $120,000 so far, and is looking to raise another $5,000. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 10 June 2026

Dreame Robot Vacuum and Mop Deal The Dreame L10s Ultra Gen 2 automates floor care with its 10,000Pa Vormax Suction alongside a DuoScrub high-speed dual rotary mopping system. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026

Noun

Standard Rotary Blade Push Mower To adjust the mower height on a standard rotary-blade push mower, start by locating the adjustment levers. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026

The laser assembly was mounted on a high-precision industrial rotary stage and a gimbal capable of rapidly adjusting its position to follow moving targets. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin rotarius, from Latin rota wheel

First Known Use

Adjective

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rotary

• rotary cultivator
• rotary engine
• rotary-wing aircraft

Rhymes for rotary

• coterie
• notary
• votary
• prothonotary

Kids Definition

rotary

1 of 2 adjective

ro·​ta·​ry ˈrōt-ə-rē 

1

a

: turning on an axis like a wheel

a rotary blade

b

: taking place about an axis

rotary motion

2

: having a rotating part

a rotary lawn mower

rotary

2 of 2 noun

plural rotaries

1

: a rotary machine

2

: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only