rotary

1 of 2

adjective

ro·​ta·​ry ˈrō-tə-rē 

1

a

: turning on an axis like a wheel

b

: taking place about an axis

rotary motion

2

: having an important part that turns on an axis

rotary cutter

3

: characterized by rotation

4

: of, relating to, or being a press in which paper is printed by rotation in contact with a curved printing surface attached to a cylinder

rotary

2 of 2

noun

plural rotaries

1

: a rotary machine

2

: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only

called also circle, roundabout, traffic circle

Examples of rotary in a Sentence

Adjective

the rotary action of the wheel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The average price of a gallon of gas in the USA was 33 to 34 cents, pay and rotary phones were still a thing and the debut of the internet still was 20 years away. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

What began as a food truck is now a beloved rotary staple with multiple James Beard nominations, serving farm-to-table sandwiches, natural wine, and take-home meals. — Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2026

Noun

The property also retains several period details, including a hanging globe light and a red rotary telephone mounted on a kitchen wall. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Once a month from spring through fall, the downtown rotary shuts down for Winooski Wednesdays, with live music, kids’ activities, and food vendors. — Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin rotarius, from Latin rota wheel

First Known Use

Adjective

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rotary

• rotary cultivator
• rotary engine
• rotary-wing aircraft

Rhymes for rotary

• coterie
• notary
• votary
• prothonotary

Kids Definition

rotary

1 of 2 adjective

ro·​ta·​ry ˈrōt-ə-rē 

1

a

: turning on an axis like a wheel

a rotary blade

b

: taking place about an axis

rotary motion

2

: having a rotating part

a rotary lawn mower

rotary

2 of 2 noun

plural rotaries

1

: a rotary machine

2

: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only