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

Tensions were so high, Amann said, that the local rotary club sought to find a way to bring everyone together and take the community’s mind off such a divisive issue. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 27 May 2025

Reports last year indicated that Israel was exploring the feasibility of mounting Vulcan rotary cannons on armored personnel carriers. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Noun

What’s more, the exhaust rotary valve, air compression, and fuel injection are electronically controlled, meaning they can be adjusted on the fly to change timing as needed. —New Atlas, 14 June 2025

The aluminum rotary controls are exclusive to the Battista Novantacinque. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 June 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