propeller

noun

pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpe-lər How to pronounce propeller (audio)
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
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The spares are for the gigantic propellers connected to four Rolls-Royce/Alstom Mermaid propulsion Pods. Heather Steinberger, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024 Photographer dies after reportedly backing into plane propeller while snapping photos Who was Dustin Kjersem? Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 Cavitation is caused by a submarine's spinning propeller blades, which create bubbles in the water. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Her hull shape and fully electric propulsion system with inline contra rotating propellers is an evolution from the Breathe concept first proposed in 2010. Bill Springer, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for propeller 

Word History

Etymology

propel + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propeller was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near propeller

Cite this Entry

“Propeller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propeller. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

propeller

noun
pro·​pel·​ler prə-ˈpel-ər How to pronounce propeller (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on propeller

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