rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrō-tər 

1

a

: a part that revolves in a stationary part

a brake rotor

b

: the rotating member of an electrical machine

2

: an assembly of rotating blades that supplies lift or stability for a rotorcraft

Examples of rotor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hamlin had brake issues during practice Saturday, which led to the team changing brake rotors and a cooling unit. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Mashing the brake pedal delivers powerful, progressive, fade-free stops, courtesy of standard carbon-ceramic rotors and the brilliance of that ABS Evo system. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026

Conversely, several key military design choices benefit civilian operators, such as its low-noise rotor system, runway independence, and ability to fit inside a standard shipping container for transport. — David Szondy august 04, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026

But Sheppard notes that the design of eVTOLs, which have multiple, independently powered rotors, is actually safer than that of a traditional helicopter, with its one overhead rotor that leaves the aircraft vulnerable to a single point of failure. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contraction of rotator

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rotor

• tilt-rotor

Rhymes for rotor

• boater
• coater
• floater
• motor
• voter
• locomotor
• psychomotor
• servomotor
• vasomotor
• oculomotor
• sensorimotor
• premotor

Kids Definition

rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrōt-ər 

1

: a part that rotates in a stationary part (as in an electrical machine)

2

: a complete system of rotating blades that support a helicopter in flight