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

No propellers, no legs, and no origami-style folding mechanism to switch modes. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Furthermore, using standard drones introduces downwash from the propellers, which stirs up and dilutes the gas plumes required for measurement. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

If the blades of a propeller spin rapidly in a simple fluid, for example, the fluid on one side of the blade can slosh much faster than the fluid on the other, leading to a drop in pressure on that side. — Rohini Subrahmanyam, Quanta Magazine, 10 July 2026

The Drone Challenge The mainstay of Ukraine’s campaign are AN-196 Lyutyi and Fire Point FP-1 strike drones, both propeller-powered and with a cruising speed of under 120 mph. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 8 July 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