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

Around the world, sharks are washing ashore with their livers removed with chilling precision while in the Strait of Gibraltar, orcas are targeting sailboats – ramming hulls, crippling rudders, and sinking vessels. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Then, when the boat hit a piece of unidentified debris in the Hudson River while getting in some practice before the racing began, one of the rudders broke. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Neither uses propellor propulsion or rudders; instead, gas turbines power high-speed water jets. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

This would be achieved by making the flying experience less like an airplane and more like an automobile, including replacing mechanical control linkages with fly-by-wire systems, even removing the traditional rudder pedals. — David Szondy april 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026

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

• kadir
• prader
• 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