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propeller

noun
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pro·​pel·​ler | \ prə-ˈpe-lər How to pronounce propeller (audio) \
variants: or less commonly propellor

Definition of propeller

: 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 Seawolf's propeller bites into the water, pushing us deeper and deeper. — Jim Wilson, Popular Mechanics, "Run Silent, Run Deep: PM Meets the Deadly Seawolf Submarine," 1 Dec. 2020 The weaknesses of the propeller heads became evident over time. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "Return of the Propeller Heads," 14 Nov. 2020 Most companies are focusing on aircraft that resemble an oversize drone or have a blend of wings and propeller engines that tilt. — Kevin Spear, orlandosentinel.com, "Electric jet aims for Lake Nona as the nation’s 1st ‘vertiport’ for flying taxi service," 11 Nov. 2020 Two booms from the side stretched behind each side of this propeller, and carried the control surfaces which would in a normal aircraft have formed the tail. — Christoper Spregg, Popular Mechanics, "Inside the 1929 Daredevil Race To Become the World's Fastest Plane," 19 Aug. 2020 The propeller sits in back for the same reason—a prop in the front would be unfriendly to smooth flow. — Rob Verger, Popular Science, "This weird-looking plane could someday be a fast, clean option for air travel," 28 Sep. 2020 Plug Power will provide a fuel cell generating 1.5 to 2 megawatts for each propeller on the plane, while another company, MagniX, will supply the electric motors. — David R Baker, Bloomberg.com, "Powering Propeller Planes With Hydrogen to Green the Skies," 23 Sep. 2020 In 2016, Kirst filed a civil personal injury and wrongful death lawsuit, along with the two surviving passengers and Spencer’s wife, against the company that sold him the propeller. — Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, "Fairbanks pilot convicted of lying to investigators after fatal 2014 crash is sentenced to a year in prison," 10 Sep. 2020 He was found four years ago in Brevard County, Fla., after being hit by a boat propeller. — al, "Mississippi Aquarium: New attraction poised to be regional draw," 3 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'propeller.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of propeller

1780, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for propeller

propel + -er entry 2

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Time Traveler for propeller

Time Traveler

The first known use of propeller was in 1780

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Statistics for propeller

Last Updated

3 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Propeller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propeller. Accessed 3 Dec. 2020.

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More Definitions for propeller

propeller

noun
How to pronounce propeller (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of propeller

: a device with two or more blades that turn quickly and cause a ship or aircraft to move

See the full definition for propeller in the English Language Learners Dictionary

propeller

noun
pro·​pel·​ler | \ prə-ˈpe-lər How to pronounce propeller (audio) \

Kids Definition of propeller

: a device having a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and that causes a ship, power boat, or airplane to move

More from Merriam-Webster on propeller

Nglish: Translation of propeller for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about propeller

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