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

Brocken’s original design called for MP8318 100 kV, 3,000 W motors each turning 30-inch propellers. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025

Tinker got caught in the boat’s propeller and was eventually pronounced dead at a clinic, troopers said. —Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Most survived the sinking, though 30 people died after their lifeboats were struck by the ship's rotating propellers. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025

These are generally propeller-powered with speeds ranging from 120 mph to over 200 mph for Wild Hornets’ latest. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 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