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

Strong rear delts have a primary role in your shoulder stability, ​​helping reduce the risk of shoulder injuries, like injuries to your rotator cuffs. —Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025

Sunday’s start represented the latest step in his return from a left rotator cuff strain. —Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025

An examination found inflammation in the rotator cuff and fluid in the bursa sac, but no structural damage. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025

The sports doctor advises incorporating exercises that target the key muscles involved in a bench press, such as the pectoralis major, certain tricep muscles, and the rotator cuff for stabilization, at least once per week. —Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025

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