rudder

noun

rud·​der ˈrə-dər 

1

: an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel's head to turn in the same direction

2

: a movable auxiliary airfoil on an airplane usually attached at the rear end that serves to control direction of flight in the horizontal plane see airplane illustration

3

: a guiding force or strategy

rudderless

ˈrə-dər-ləs 

adjective

Examples of rudder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today’s visitors travel on the Charles F. Mercer, a replica of a 58-foot single rudder packet boat. —Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025

There will be no combustion engine on board—sorry, V-8 fans—with all the power required to run the control and motion systems for the foils, the keel and rudder, and the onboard computers and instruments generated autonomously while under sail. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 June 2025

During the floating navigation tests, the submarine's systems—including propulsion, rudder, electricity, communication, and navigation—were evaluated, the shipbuilder added. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

The steering wheel transforms into a flight yoke, and extra pedals appear for rudder control. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rother, from Old English rōther paddle; akin to Old English rōwan to row

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rudder

• scudder
• shudder
• udder

Kids Definition

rudder

noun

rud·​der ˈrəd-ər 

: a flat movable piece (as of wood or metal) attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering