rotator cuff

noun

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the head of the humerus

Examples of rotator cuff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Damage to the rotator cuff, like many sports injuries, is treated with either nonsurgical or surgical options, Jazrawi said. —NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), rotator cuff surgery is often recommended when pain does not subside following nonsurgical options. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2026

If the acknowledgement from those in attendance wasn’t enough, Bubic punctuated his impending return — from a left rotator cuff strain — with a simple nod and wry smile. —Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026

When the rotator cuff is torn, some patients will experience pain and weakness. —Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rotator cuff

• buff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• muff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff

Medical Definition

rotator cuff

noun

-ˌkəf 

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of part of its capsule blended with tendons of the subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the humerus

called also musculotendinous cuff