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

Samson says the system powers the wheels on the ground and the propellers in flight. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Eventually, the vessel’s 12 electric propellers, six on each side, spun up and sent it churning forward. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 23 Sep. 2026

The tiny Dodecanese island is reached by ferry or propeller plane from Rhodes. — Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 19 Sep. 2026

Actors portraying patients arrived with realistic makeup and prosthetics designed to mimic blunt-force trauma, propeller injuries, burns and other emergency conditions. — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 17 Sep. 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