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

About 10 years ago, a certain French company called Furion paired a twin-rotor, 654cc Wankel rotary engine with a 40-kilowatt electric motor to produce a massive 180 hp and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of instant torque on a motorcycle. —New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2026

The rotors are smooth and within thickness tolerance. —Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026

The flying taxis look like a cross between a small jet and a drone, with rotors up top that assist with a soft takeoff and landing. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

The Zenith Caliber 400z has, of course, been given the Parmigiani treatment, with a gorgeous gold guilloche rotor and other fancy flourishes. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 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
• floater
• motor
• voter
• locomotor
• psychomotor
• servomotor
• vasomotor
• oculomotor
• sensorimotor
• premotor
• promoter

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