rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən 
1
a(1)
: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center
(2)
: the act or an instance of rotating something
b
: one complete turn : the angular displacement required to return a rotating body or figure to its original orientation
2
a
: return or succession in a series
rotation of the seasons
b
3
: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
4
: a game of pool in which all 15 object balls are shot in numerical order
5
: the series of pitchers on a baseball team who regularly start successive games in turn
Synonyms
Examples of rotation in a Sentence
the rotation of the Earth around its axis
the rotation of the Moon around the Earth
The Earth makes one rotation every day.
Alfalfa and corn are planted in rotation.
the rotation of the job of club president
The car needs a tire rotation.
Recent Examples on the Web
The ad ran in heavy rotation throughout the 2000 holiday season.
—
Justin Taylor, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2024
That’s important, because the player he likely will be paired alongside in UM’s power rotation — 6-10 Lynn Kidd — never attempted a three-pointer in one year at Clemson and then three years at Virginia Tech.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Coach Michael Malone was noncommittal Tuesday when asked whether Holiday will have a place in Denver’s playoff rotation, reiterating his recent comment that bench lineups could be matchup-dependent rather than predetermined.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2024
The rotation speed of that central axis was initially set at 20 minutes.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
Our tester loved the smart vortex cleaning system, which uses rapid rotation and water to flush away hair and debris after use.
—Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024
Madewell The Leather Carabiner Mini Crossbody Bag, $49 with code
For those looking to add a sportier crossbody bag to their purse rotation, consider nabbing this option from Madewell.
—Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
In October 2022, Dr. Olivia Arden Sacks’s professional life as a surgical resident was consumed by long hours, an academic paper, and thoughts about her rotation.
—Donna Kim, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Both sides have also been dealing with injuries to key rotation players.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024
Justin Taylor, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2024
That’s important, because the player he likely will be paired alongside in UM’s power rotation — 6-10 Lynn Kidd — never attempted a three-pointer in one year at Clemson and then three years at Virginia Tech.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Coach Michael Malone was noncommittal Tuesday when asked whether Holiday will have a place in Denver’s playoff rotation, reiterating his recent comment that bench lineups could be matchup-dependent rather than predetermined.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2024
The rotation speed of that central axis was initially set at 20 minutes.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
Our tester loved the smart vortex cleaning system, which uses rapid rotation and water to flush away hair and debris after use.
—Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024
Madewell The Leather Carabiner Mini Crossbody Bag, $49 with code
For those looking to add a sportier crossbody bag to their purse rotation, consider nabbing this option from Madewell.
—Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
In October 2022, Dr. Olivia Arden Sacks’s professional life as a surgical resident was consumed by long hours, an academic paper, and thoughts about her rotation.
—Donna Kim, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Both sides have also been dealing with injuries to key rotation players.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rotation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Phrases Containing rotation
Dictionary Entries Near rotation
Cite this Entry
“Rotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
1
a
: the act of rotating especially on an axis
b
: one complete turn
2
Medical Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center
specifically
: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
rotation of the head to look over the shoulder
More from Merriam-Webster on rotation
Nglish: Translation of rotation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of rotation for Arabic Speakers
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