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

Returnees Connor Meadows, Owen Spell, LaParka Langston, Justin Royes and Jacob Maiva also figure to be a part of a rotation put together by new offensive line coach AJ Blazek. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

After redshirting in 2023 and working his way into the cornerback rotation in 2024, Jones had his breakout last season as an All-SEC performer (13 passes defended and a pair of interceptions). — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

The Dodgers’ rotation weathered the loss of Glasnow and Blake Snell (arthroscopic elbow surgery) admirably. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Perry noted that unlike other spinning coasters, whose rotation may depend on weight distribution within the vehicle, these coaster cars are programmed to spin at specific times along the track, in sync with the on-board audio. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 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