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 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

Along with this firepower, the Thunder is also claimed to be highly maneuverable, thanks to its series-hybrid-electric powertrain featuring Optimum-Speed Tiltrotors (OSTR) with variable rotor speed. — David Szondy july 21, New Atlas, 21 July 2026

This creates a spray of shrapnel from the rotor tips that had been traveling hundreds of miles an hour. — Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Lockheed Martin revealed that the new X-rotor also benefits from the same family of high-power microwave effectors that have already proved the ability to defeat difficult targets while minimizing collateral damage. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 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