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

One car that is in development, made by California start-up Alef, has been able to get airborne using eight propellers, four in the front and four in the back. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Five retractable, 35-meter rigid sails double as solar panels; when wind drives the ship, propellers generate electricity onboard. — Ashlea Halpern, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue paramedics were heard on emergency dispatch radio calls saying the propeller cut the man’s right leg multiple times. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

One of the people on board, who has only been identified as a 63-year-old man, was in the water when he was struck by the boat's propeller. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

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