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

Both the VoloXPro and the Volocity are two-seat eVTOLs with 18 electric motors and 18 rotors. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 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, 22 Apr. 2026

Alignment lasers and the ship’s gyro-compass ensured the rotors were plumb and correctly oriented. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026

Despite the gravitational pull that's a sixth of the Earth's, the acceleration, pitches, and tilts of the rover should swing the winding rotor, if with less torque and efficiency than on Earth. —Tim Barber, Wired News, 14 Apr. 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