rotary

1 of 2

adjective

ro·​ta·​ry ˈrō-tə-rē 

1

a

: turning on an axis like a wheel

b

: taking place about an axis

rotary motion

2

: having an important part that turns on an axis

rotary cutter

3

: characterized by rotation

4

: of, relating to, or being a press in which paper is printed by rotation in contact with a curved printing surface attached to a cylinder

rotary

2 of 2

noun

plural rotaries

1

: a rotary machine

2

: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only

called also circle, traffic circle

Examples of rotary in a Sentence

Adjective

the rotary action of the wheel

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Both have spindly legs, two working rotary knobs on the front for volume and channels and a power button on top. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024

The buttons beneath the rotary controls are now all orange with the addition of LEDs to illuminate them. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Noun

These are seen on the drive mode rotary dial and other roller controls, as well as the gear selector. —Karl Brauer, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Consider joining or getting more heavily involved in an organization – rotary, garden club, biker gang, whatever suits your fancy. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin rotarius, from Latin rota wheel

First Known Use

Adjective

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rotary

• rotary cultivator
• rotary engine
• rotary-wing aircraft

Kids Definition

rotary

1 of 2 adjective

ro·​ta·​ry ˈrōt-ə-rē 

1

a

: turning on an axis like a wheel

a rotary blade

b

: taking place about an axis

rotary motion

2

: having a rotating part

a rotary lawn mower

rotary

2 of 2 noun

plural rotaries

1

: a rotary machine

2

: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only