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

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

With smoother, more effective hydrodynamics, the propellers are claimed to offer up to 30% better fuel efficiency than a traditional propeller while also cutting noise and vibration. —New Atlas, 30 July 2025

With the propellers from Marine One whirling in the background, and reporters shouting questions at him, Trump minced no words expressing his frustration with Iran and Israel over their latest conflict. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 29 June 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