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

Estévez is dealing with a right rotator cuff strain. — Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026

Now, the 26-year-old is dealing with a rotator cuff injury and will be shut down for a few weeks. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

But in 1981, a rotator cuff injury was a death sentence for a pitcher. — Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

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