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

The detachable aircraft is a two-seat electric vehicle featuring six rotors arranged in a dual-duct configuration. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Braking, meanwhile, comes from a 320-mm front rotor with a two-piston caliper up front, while the rear gets a 240-mm disc and single-piston caliper. — New Atlas, 9 Nov. 2026

At Matheson Hammock Park, Federal Aviation Administration crews removed the helicopter's main rotor blades and tail boom. — CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

According to Liebherr, the rotor alone measures 413 feet in diameter; the largest Giant Sequoia tree by volume, General Sherman, is only 38 feet around at its base. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 6 Nov. 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