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 majority of the wreckage was contained, submerged in about 5 feet of water, while the a landing gear and propellers were found embedded in the bottom of the lake, the NTSB report said. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Drones Drones are hovercraft that use the downward force of three or more propellers to allow the drone to hover in place. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

At the back of the aircraft, the five-blade pusher propeller snaps awake, and the Alia bolts forward. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 Oct. 2026

Drone motors and propellers generate characteristic sounds during operation. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 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