rota

noun

ro·​ta ˈrō-tə 

1

Rota [Medieval Latin, from Latin] : a tribunal of the papal curia exercising jurisdiction especially in matrimonial cases appealed from diocesan courts

2

chiefly British

a

: a fixed order of rotation (as of persons or duties)

b

: a roll or list of persons : roster

Examples of rota in a Sentence

a rota of housekeeping duties

Recent Examples on the Web

In some hospitals, for example, scheduling operations may require staff to consult separate systems for waiting lists, theatre bookings, staff rotas and equipment orders. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 May 2026

Known for it’s demanding bunkering, strategic angles, and traditional links conditions, Royal Lytham & St Annes is one of The Open rota’s most exacting venues. —Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026

At Norah, rotas are built around real lives—musicians, artists, people with weddings and commitments. —Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 2026

According to Blair, the two members on shift would often organize alternative sleeping rotas that left just one individual with a straightforward password and all the power. —Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, wheel — more at roll

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rota

• chota
• cota
• quota
• biota
• iota
• lakota
• nonquota
• ricotta

Geographical Definition

Rota

geographical name

Ro·​ta ˈrō-tə 

1

island in the western Pacific Ocean at the southern end of the Mariana Islands area 35 square miles (91 square kilometers)

2

town and port on the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Spain population 29,136

Biographical Definition

Rota

biographical name

Ro·​ta ˈrō-(ˌ)tä 

Nino 1911–1979 Italian composer