rudder

rud·der

noun \ˈrə-dər\

Definition of RUDDER

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

— rud·der·less \-ləs\ adjective

Origin of RUDDER

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with RUDDER

budder, flooder, judder, shudder, udder