propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpe-lər 

variants or less commonly propellor

: one that propels

especially : a device that consists of a central hub with radiating blades placed and twisted so that each forms part of a helical surface and that is used to propel a vehicle (such as a ship or airplane)

Examples of propeller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The main portion of the wreckage consisted of the remains of the plane, including both wings, the tail, both engines and left propeller. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025

Both versions have eight electric motors connected to propellers that, according to AIR, provide safety through redundancy. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025

Once these aircraft take off in the air — like a helicopter — their engines and propellers tilt to fly like an airplane. —Pat Maio, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025

With solar panels covering its massive wings, Skydweller powers four electric propeller engines during the day while storing extra energy in batteries for night flights. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

propel + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing propeller

• propeller-head
• screw propeller

Rhymes for propeller

• bestseller
• bookseller
• flagellar
• impeller
• lamellar
• micellar
• modeller
• ocellar
• patellar
• reseller
• scutellar
• beller

Kids Definition

propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpel-ər 

: a device consisting of a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and is used especially for propelling airplanes and ships