rotation

noun

ro·​ta·​tion rō-ˈtā-shən 

1

a(1)

: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center

(2)

: the act or an instance of rotating something

b

: one complete turn : the angular displacement required to return a rotating body or figure to its original orientation

2

a

: return or succession in a series

rotation of the seasons

b

: crop rotation

3

: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot

4

: a game of pool in which all 15 object balls are shot in numerical order

5

: the series of pitchers on a baseball team who regularly start successive games in turn

rotational

rō-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of rotation

• spin
• curve
• roll
• wheel
• twirl
• revolution
• reel

Examples of rotation in a Sentence

the rotation of the Earth around its axis

the rotation of the Moon around the Earth

The Earth makes one rotation every day.

Alfalfa and corn are planted in rotation.

the rotation of the job of club president

The car needs a tire rotation.

Recent Examples on the Web

With two off days between now and the beginning of the All-Star break on July 13, the club might not need a six-man rotation, and the lack of roster flexibility within Houston’s bullpen raises questions about whether a starter’s roster spot could be in peril. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026

In deciding to be cautious in handling two-time All-Star Shane McClanahan’s return to action for the first time since August 2023 by skipping his turn in the rotation, the Rays put some extra work on their relievers by designating Saturday as a bullpen game. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026

Host gifts sometimes feel like a merry-go-round of wine bottles, with the same few staying in rotation. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 June 2026

Tomato and egg stir-fry is an easy recipe that can be thrown together with common pantry staples in 10 minutes and is delicious enough to be in your weeknight dinner rotation. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing rotation

• crop rotation
• optical rotation

Rhymes for rotation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

rotation

noun

ro·​ta·​tion rō-ˈtā-shən 

1

a

: the act of rotating especially on an axis

b

: one complete turn

2

: crop rotation

rotational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

rotation

noun

ro·​ta·​tion rō-ˈtā-shən 

: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center

specifically : the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot

rotation of the head to look over the shoulder

rotational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective