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

The blue fuselage is minus its propeller, which somehow or other was misplaced. —Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025

These are low-cost, low-speed precision weapons driven by propellers, very unlike the high-speed, high-cost missiles currently favored by the U.S. Army. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

The maritime archaeologist also noted that a large propeller, measuring 10.5 feet in diameter, still sits at the shipwreck site. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025

The crash took place near Pier 40, on the Jersey City side of the Hudson River. Footage posted to X showed the helicopter, which appeared to be missing its tail and propeller, crashing into the water followed by a loud splash. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

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