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
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
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
The property was once a 19th-century Catholic school and church campus, complete with a rectory and nunnery, and each room has a rotary phone and other touches of the not-so-distant past.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
These hubs would include parking structures, bus rotaries, transit amenities, and pick up and drop off areas.
—Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rotary
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Adjective
Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
The property was once a 19th-century Catholic school and church campus, complete with a rectory and nunnery, and each room has a rotary phone and other touches of the not-so-distant past.
—Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
The advantage is slight; in typical mowing conditions, a rotary mower and a mulching mower perform equally well.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
These hubs would include parking structures, bus rotaries, transit amenities, and pick up and drop off areas.
—Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rotary
Cite this Entry
“Rotary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotary. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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