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

In a separate incident Thursday near Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, a small propeller plane landed in a field. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Mercedes-Benz initiated a recall for more than 24,000 vehicles due to a malfunction with the propeller shaft that may cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The original engine and propeller were stripped apart, cleaned and reassembled and will lie on the museum floor for visitors to observe up close. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026

All was calm above the clouds over the Arabian Sea, and Sam Rutherford’s small propeller plane was cruising at about 120 miles per hour. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 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