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

The advantage is slight; in typical mowing conditions, a rotary mower and a mulching mower perform equally well. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2024

The decision to close the case, which involved vehicles with an electronic rotary shifter, means there will be no vehicle recall. —Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 29 Jan. 2024

Noun

Every year, crews driving snow plows with giant rotary blades clear the two roads, facing massive snow drifts and avalanche risks. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 11 June 2024

Since 2021, the rock has sat in a highly visible section of campus beside the Hillside Road rotary in close proximity to the Visitors Center, Jorgensen Theater, North Parking Garage and the UConn Foundation. —Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 16 May 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