rotary engine
noun
1
: any of various engines (such as a turbine) in which power is applied to vanes or similar parts constrained to move in a circular path
2
: a radial engine in which the cylinders revolve about a stationary crankshaft
Examples of rotary engine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But when the battery is depleted, the 830-cc 74-hp rotary engine kicks in to supply charge while on the move.
—
Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 13 Jan. 2023
Its movement is akin to a Wankel rotary engine.
—Sheldon Waite, Ars Technica, 17 Dec. 2022
Mazda's European branch announced this morning that the rotary engine will return on the 2023 MX-30 R-EV, set to be revealed on Friday, January 13.
—Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 9 Jan. 2023
Mazda evolved its first-generation RX-7 sports car, bringing out a new, more powerful rotary engine, the 13B, for the 1984 GSL-SE.
—George Lepp, Car and Driver, 1 Feb. 2023
The car shows roughly 127,000 miles on the odometer, but its little rotary engine recently went under the knife for fresh apex and coolant seals.
—Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 10 Feb. 2022
For those who might be deterred by the MX-30’s lack of range, the Japanese automaker is looking to release a plug-in hybrid variant in 2022 that will have a rotary engine to keep the batteries topped up.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 11 Nov. 2021
There is also a series hybrid range extended version that will use a new version of the rotary engine to drive a generator without being connected to the wheels.
—Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021
As these blades were spun by a 75-horsepower rotary engine, Sikorsky’s aircraft would lift straight up into the sky, with no need for long runways—or any runway at all.
—Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, 20 June 2021
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Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 13 Jan. 2023
Its movement is akin to a Wankel rotary engine.
—Sheldon Waite, Ars Technica, 17 Dec. 2022
Mazda's European branch announced this morning that the rotary engine will return on the 2023 MX-30 R-EV, set to be revealed on Friday, January 13.
—Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 9 Jan. 2023
Mazda evolved its first-generation RX-7 sports car, bringing out a new, more powerful rotary engine, the 13B, for the 1984 GSL-SE.
—George Lepp, Car and Driver, 1 Feb. 2023
The car shows roughly 127,000 miles on the odometer, but its little rotary engine recently went under the knife for fresh apex and coolant seals.
—Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 10 Feb. 2022
For those who might be deterred by the MX-30’s lack of range, the Japanese automaker is looking to release a plug-in hybrid variant in 2022 that will have a rotary engine to keep the batteries topped up.
—Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 11 Nov. 2021
There is also a series hybrid range extended version that will use a new version of the rotary engine to drive a generator without being connected to the wheels.
—Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2021
As these blades were spun by a 75-horsepower rotary engine, Sikorsky’s aircraft would lift straight up into the sky, with no need for long runways—or any runway at all.
—Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, 20 June 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rotary engine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near rotary engine
Cite this Entry
“Rotary engine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotary%20engine. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rotary engine
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