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

For comparison, regular drone propellers can rotate at several thousand revolutions per minute. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

The peaceful demonstration turned violent when the fishermen attacked the floating protesters with poles and spinning propellers, the foundation reported. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

But unlike the Pocket 3, which is strictly for handheld use, the Versa snaps into a set of propellers and converts into a selfie drone. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 18 Aug. 2026

On top of that, their solid-state thrusters have no moving parts to freeze or jam, eliminating the heavy heating equipment traditional mechanical propellers would need to survive Titan’s extreme cold. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 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