rote

noun \ ˈrōt \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of rote

1 : the use of memory usually with little intelligence

learn by rote

2 : mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition

a joyless sense of order, rote, and commercial hustle
—L. L. King

Origin and Etymology of rote

Middle English

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

rote

adjective

Definition of rote

1 : learned or memorized by rote

2 : mechanical 3a

—

rotely

adverb

First Known Use of rote

1844

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

rote

noun

Definition of rote

: ³crowd 1

Origin and Etymology of rote

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hruozza crowd

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

rote

noun

Definition of rote

: the noise of surf on the shore

Origin and Etymology of rote

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse rauta to roar — more at rout

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1610

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

ROTE Defined for Kids

rote

noun \ ˈrōt \

Definition of rote for Students

: the act of repeating over and over often without attention to meaning

I learned the poem by rote.

Learn More about rote

See words that rhyme with rote Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rote Spanish Central: Translation of rote Britannica English: Translation of rote for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rote

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up rote? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

rote

Definition of rote

Origin and Etymology of rote

Other Music Terms

rote

Definition of rote

rotely

First Known Use of rote

rote

Definition of rote

Origin and Etymology of rote

Other Education Terms

rote

Definition of rote

Origin and Etymology of rote

ROTE Defined for Kids

rote

Definition of rote for Students

Learn More about rote

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes