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

But unlike the Pocket 3, which is strictly for handheld use, the Versa snaps into a set of propellers and converts into a selfie drone. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 18 Aug. 2026

On top of that, their solid-state thrusters have no moving parts to freeze or jam, eliminating the heavy heating equipment traditional mechanical propellers would need to survive Titan’s extreme cold. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026

The Lincoln has two nuclear reactors, which power four steam turbines that drive four propeller shafts. — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Their tri-rotor drone takes off and lands vertically like a multi-rotor aircraft, but once airborne transitions to forward flight via smaller propellers mounted horizontally on each of its rotor blades. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 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