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, traffic circle

Examples of rotary in a Sentence

Adjective

the rotary action of the wheel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At the time of his selection, Bailey was responsible for the developmental testing of emerging technologies aboard Army rotary wing aircraft, specializing in the UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook. —Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025

Luckily, Amazon Prime members can score exclusive discounts on useful tools like a digital meat thermometer, a rotary cheese grater, and a jar opener starting at just $8. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Noun

Today, the Nemo Power Tools product line encompasses underwater drills, rotary hammers, angle grinders, reciprocating saws, impact drivers, hull cleaners, and even a 15,000-lumen underwater floodlight. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

The company specializes in stainless steel rotary dryer systems and large equipment fabrication for major clients like Cargill and Tyson. —Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025

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
• electrocautery
• 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