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

Rendered incapable of future flight after crashing in January 2024 and damaging its rotor blade, the 4-pound Ingenuity performed 72 flights for nearly three years at Mars. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Inside every electric motor, from those found in electric toothbrushes to those in electric vehicles, a rotating component (the rotor) spins within a stationary part (the stator), creating a constantly changing magnetic field. —Etiido Uko march 17, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2026

There are also four Minilites, some brake rotors, Bilstein shocks, and a fiberglass front bumper. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2026

Mike Bland said a single gunshot to a helicopter’s rotor blades or windshields could be enough to cause a crash. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 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