: 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
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
The tumbler’s leakproof lid also rotates for three comfortable sipping positions.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The Caramel Churro Sundae is the latest addition to Costco's lineup of sundaes, which have previously rotated to include fun flavors like the Double Chocolate Mint Sundae and Caramel Brownie Sundae.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The 6-foot-6 guard will likely slot in as the two-guard for Boise State, with returning sophomore Aginaldo Neto and North Dakota State transfer Damari Wheeler-Thomas likely to rotate at point guard.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rotate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Thyme is a perennial plant and can be transplanted to different areas of the garden as vegetable crops are rotated form one season to the next.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
The tumbler’s leakproof lid also rotates for three comfortable sipping positions.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The Caramel Churro Sundae is the latest addition to Costco's lineup of sundaes, which have previously rotated to include fun flavors like the Double Chocolate Mint Sundae and Caramel Brownie Sundae.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The 6-foot-6 guard will likely slot in as the two-guard for Boise State, with returning sophomore Aginaldo Neto and North Dakota State transfer Damari Wheeler-Thomas likely to rotate at point guard.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rotate
Cite this Entry
“Rotate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotate. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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