rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor ˈrō-ˌtā-tər 

also rō-ˈtā-

: one that rotates or causes rotation

especially, plural rotators or rotatores ˌrō-tə-ˈtȯr-ˌēz  : a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

Examples of rotator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Three are considered ultra-fast rotators that complete a full spin in less than five minutes. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026

Falter is dealing with a similar elbow injury, and Estévez was shut down with a right-rotator-cuff strain. — Jaylon Thompson may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

Getting it out required some of the most powerful heavy recovery equipment ever made, including the world’s largest rotator tow truck. — Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026

Umphrey’s McGee jam wizard Kris Myers stepped down in May, a couple years after rotator-cuff surgery. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rotator

• rotator cuff

Rhymes for rotator

• creator
• curator
• debater
• deflator
• dictator
• dilator
• equator
• locator
• piscator
• pronator
• relator
• testator

Medical Definition

rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor

ˈrō-ˌtāt-ər also rō-ˈ

plural rotators or rotatores ˌrōt-ə-ˈtōr-ēz 

: a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

specifically : any of several small muscles in the dorsal region of the spine arising from the upper and back part of a transverse process and inserted into the lamina of the vertebra above