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 upper body ailments that Matterhorn Fit treats include rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golf elbow, bicep tendonitis, bicep/tricep strain and carpal tunnel. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026

Bailey received multiple injuries, including a torn rotator cuff that may require surgery. —Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026

And their best is Ragans, the opening day ace who was limited to just 13 starts while battling a groin injury and then a rotator cuff ailment in 2025. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

Damage to the rotator cuff, like many sports injuries, is treated with either nonsurgical or surgical options, Jazrawi said. —NBC news, 11 Mar. 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