rotator cuff

noun

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the head of the humerus

Examples of rotator cuff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Clippers ruled out Bradley Beal (right knee injury management), Brandon Ingram (right heel surgery) and Jordan Miller (left rotator cuff surgery) for their matchup against the Heat. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

The result was a broken shoulder and torn rotator cuff that required surgery for a shoulder replacement. — Helen Dennis, Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Exercises that target the rotator cuff can help keep the shoulders healthy into later years. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2026

Also out are Jordan Miller (left rotator cuff surgery) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (right foot surgery). — CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rotator cuff

• buff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• muff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff

Medical Definition

rotator cuff

noun

-ˌkəf 

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of part of its capsule blended with tendons of the subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the humerus

called also musculotendinous cuff