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

Here the rotary knob has been elevated here into something ethereal — an orb on a canvas. —Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 23 May 2026

There are Pierre Frey fabrics, black rotary dial phones, and some of the most enticing minibars in town (2014 Napa Valley Mt Brave, Diplomatico rum, You + I kombucha, Charbonnel et Walker truffles). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026

Noun

This included two poems about dying grandmothers; one poem about owls and their habitats; one poem about Jesus, Lamb and Carpenter; and one about losing the tip of a finger—Dan’s, his hand held up as evidence—to a rotary saw. —Literary Hub, 11 May 2026

While the rotary knob that surrounds the ignition button provides quick access to the various drive modes (which includes a customizable Individual mode), hard buttons for features like damper stiffness and exhaust volume allow for specific alterations to the driving experience on the fly. —Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 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