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

Captain Brett handed out earplugs and earmuffs, to shield against the roar of the airboat’s enormous caged propeller. —Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Van Hoose said both of the teenager’s legs were severely slashed by the boat’s propeller, and he was brought to shore by two personal watercraft. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 28 July 2025

Between the height at which the drone travels and the fact that propellers are designed to be quiet, the deliveries are quieter than those made by vans. —Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The numerous propellers were created for safety and redundancy reasons, Painter said. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 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