: 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
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Automatic litter boxes are designed with safety features to prevent them from rotating or closing while your cat is inside.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
The menu includes a combination of mainstay signature flavors and rotating seasonal offerings.
—Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
This new menu offers 10 Panera fan favorites, including a rotating seasonal item, so maybe their Italian Steak & Mozz sandwich or Asian Sesame Chicken Salad will make an appearance.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rotate
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, and Leeds United, Fernandez and Cole Palmer have shared responsibilities across the No 10 and left wing positions, rotating in-game to keep opponents guessing.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Automatic litter boxes are designed with safety features to prevent them from rotating or closing while your cat is inside.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
The menu includes a combination of mainstay signature flavors and rotating seasonal offerings.
—Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
This new menu offers 10 Panera fan favorites, including a rotating seasonal item, so maybe their Italian Steak & Mozz sandwich or Asian Sesame Chicken Salad will make an appearance.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 2026.
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