rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrō-tər 

1

a

: a part that revolves in a stationary part

a brake rotor

b

: the rotating member of an electrical machine

2

: an assembly of rotating blades that supplies lift or stability for a rotorcraft

Examples of rotor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But Sheppard notes that the design of eVTOLs, which have multiple, independently powered rotors, is actually safer than that of a traditional helicopter, with its one overhead rotor that leaves the aircraft vulnerable to a single point of failure. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Footage posted on the Forecast Weather Greece Facebook page appeared to show two helicopters crossing paths at low altitude before the main rotor of the lower helicopter struck the underside of the one flying above it and crashed in flames. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026

Video circulating on social media that ABC News has not yet independently verified showed the two helicopters , both Bell aircraft, flying near each other when one of the aircraft appeared to make contact with the main rotor of the second aircraft. — Dada Jovanovic, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

The aircraft uses vertical takeoff and landing, a technology essential to Archer’s air taxis, along with rotors and wings. — Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

contraction of rotator

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rotor

• tilt-rotor

Rhymes for rotor

• boater
• coater
• floater
• motor
• voter
• locomotor
• psychomotor
• servomotor
• vasomotor
• oculomotor
• sensorimotor
• premotor

Kids Definition

rotor

noun

ro·​tor ˈrōt-ər 

1

: a part that rotates in a stationary part (as in an electrical machine)

2

: a complete system of rotating blades that support a helicopter in flight