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 rotors on the SkyFall helicopters will also be larger than those on Ingenuity, which spun its blades at 2,700 rpm, already 10 times faster than passenger helicopters on Earth. —ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026

Recently, researchers in Germany developed a chain-launching drone interceptor that disables UAVs by tangling their spinning rotors midair. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

Finally, Mira chalked her hands, boosted herself onto a dangling metal hoop, flipped upside down, and hung from a single knee, arms spread out like a rotor. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

One amounted to a reinvention of the cell on wheels (COW) truck, a longstanding tool to add temporary coverage, with wings and rotors. —Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 1 May 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