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 wind is hitting you in excess of 140 miles an hour, coming off the propeller. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 15 May 2025

Zipline’s aircraft, called P2, has a separate Delivery Zip that comes out of the main aircraft’s belly to deliver the items, so no customers have to worry about a run in with propellers. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025

Instead of your normal propellers, there are some things that are not normally there. —Lily Scherlis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025

Read Next Florida Diver died while tangled in propeller off Florida, feds say. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 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