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

Imagine having to write letters or call everyone on a rotary dial phone to communicate. —John Ballato, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

Wearing a protective mask to avoid inhaling the dust, fill a hand-crank or push rotary spreader with pelletized lime. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

Noun

After first threatening to kill Hole, Barli instead jumps out of his fifth-floor balcony window, where he is impaled on an outdoor rotary clothes airer stationed in the garden below. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

Cordless rotary hammer for concrete and masonry. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 25 Mar. 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
• 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