rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor ˈrō-ˌtā-tər 

 also  rō-ˈtā-

: one that rotates or causes rotation

especially, plural rotators or rotatores ˌrō-tə-ˈtȯr-ˌēz  : a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

Examples of rotator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shoulder abduction is mainly performed by the deltoid muscle on top of your shoulders, and supported by the supraspinatus muscle, which is part of the rotator cuff.1 Shoulder abduction is used in many daily activities, such as hanging up clothes, getting dressed, and carrying shopping bags. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025

The primary difference between sumo squats and regular bodyweight squats is that the sumo squat exercise targets the easy-to-overlook inner thigh and hip rotator muscles, including the gluteus medius. —Amber Sayer, Outside Online, 24 Feb. 2025

The gluteus maximus, the largest of the three, serves as the main extensor and lateral rotator of the hip joint. —Jakob Roze, Health, 22 July 2024

Shape rotators, in contrast, are staunchly modern, possessed of a ruthlessly practical intelligence. —Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rotator

• rotator cuff

Rhymes for rotator

• coater
• creator
• curator
• debater
• deflator
• dictator
• dilator
• equator
• locator
• mutator
• piscator
• pronator

Medical Definition

rotator

noun

ro·​ta·​tor

ˈrō-ˌtāt-ər also rō-ˈ

plural rotators or rotatores ˌrōt-ə-ˈtōr-ēz 

: a muscle that partially rotates a part on its axis

specifically : any of several small muscles in the dorsal region of the spine arising from the upper and back part of a transverse process and inserted into the lamina of the vertebra above