: having the parts flat and spreading or radiating like the spokes of a wheel
rotate blue flowers
rotated; rotating
1
a
: to perform an act, function, or operation in turn
b
: to pass or alternate in a series
2
: to turn about an axis or a center : revolve
especially
: to move in such a way that all particles follow circles with a common angular velocity about a common axis
1
a
: to cause to turn or move about an axis or a center
b
: to cause (a plane region or line) to sweep out a volume or surface by moving around an axis so that each of its points remains at a constant distance from the axis
generate a torus by rotating a circle about an external line
2
: to cause to grow in rotation
rotate crops
3
: to cause to pass or act in a series : alternate
4
: to exchange (individuals or units) with others
Examples of rotate in a Sentence
Verb
As the gear rotates, it turns the other gears.
The Earth rotates on its axis.
The planets rotate around the sun.
The software allows you to rotate images.
Rotate the sheet of paper 90 degrees.
The staff rotates the weekend shift.
We rotate—she does the dishes one week; I do them the next.
You should rotate your car's tires once a year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
That’s proven to be a fruitful investment for the Yankees, who have primarily rotated Bellinger in the three outfield spots but use him intermittently at first base, too.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
The main differences come down to aesthetics and the rotating bezel on the Classic model, which carries a $150 premium over the standard Watch 8.
—PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Founded by celebrated Charlottesville caterer Sandy Motley, this market hosts a rotating collection of grab-and-go meals, elevated pantry staples, and locally made food gifts.
—Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rotate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
In addition to the usual fitness center, there are yoga and meditation rooms, and complimentary stretching, yoga, and meditation classes are held on a rotating schedule throughout the week.
—Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
That’s proven to be a fruitful investment for the Yankees, who have primarily rotated Bellinger in the three outfield spots but use him intermittently at first base, too.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
The main differences come down to aesthetics and the rotating bezel on the Classic model, which carries a $150 premium over the standard Watch 8.
—PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Founded by celebrated Charlottesville caterer Sandy Motley, this market hosts a rotating collection of grab-and-go meals, elevated pantry staples, and locally made food gifts.
—Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rotate
Cite this Entry
“Rotate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotate. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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