propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpe-lər 

variants or less commonly propellor

: one that propels

especially : a device that consists of a central hub with radiating blades placed and twisted so that each forms part of a helical surface and that is used to propel a vehicle (such as a ship or airplane)

Examples of propeller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Propelled by 32 electric propeller drives with a combined 5,360 horsepower, the LCA60T can achieve a top speed of 63 mph. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 24 Feb. 2025

An unmanned aerial vehicle, the drone has four propellers on an 18-by-17-inch base. —David W. Dunlap, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

At the bottom of that mast is a foiling wing and a motor/propeller module. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025

The Douglas World Cruisers had a wingspan of 50 ft; and a length from propeller to rudder of just under 40 ft. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

propel + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing propeller

• propeller-head
• screw propeller

Rhymes for propeller

• bestseller
• bookseller
• flagellar
• impeller
• lamellar
• micellar
• modeller
• ocellar
• patellar
• reseller
• scutellar
• beller

Kids Definition

propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpel-ər 

: a device consisting of a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and is used especially for propelling airplanes and ships