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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jones played in just 20 games last season due to a torn rotator cuff and thus didn't qualify for any awards. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 The Royals’ left-handed ace fought through a left rotator cuff strain but returned to form down the stretch. Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025 Felix Bautista, who, when healthy, has held down the ninth inning, sustained a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder and is expected to miss most of the 2026 season. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025 Sholes, who had a BB gun tucked beneath his shirt that day but never pointed it at law enforcement, suffered tears of the ACL, meniscus, rotator cuff and bicep, among other injuries. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rotator cuff

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotator cuff was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Rotator cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotator%20cuff. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

rotator cuff

noun
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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