1
: an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel's head to turn in the same direction
2
: a movable auxiliary airfoil on an airplane usually attached at the rear end that serves to control direction of flight in the horizontal plane see airplane illustration
3
: a guiding force or strategy
Examples of rudder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Boxer deployed with Camp Pendleton Marines on April 1 but had to return to San Diego about 10 days later due to a rudder problem.
—
Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 9 Dec. 2024
In September, the National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent warning regarding Boeing 737 planes, saying a piece of the rudder control system on these planes could lose functionality in cold weather.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024
That includes wing components from Japanese and South Korean companies, rudders made in China and landing gear and engines from the United Kingdom.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice to Boeing 737 Next Generation and Max operators about a potential issue with its rudder control system.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder 
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Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 9 Dec. 2024
In September, the National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent warning regarding Boeing 737 planes, saying a piece of the rudder control system on these planes could lose functionality in cold weather.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024
That includes wing components from Japanese and South Korean companies, rudders made in China and landing gear and engines from the United Kingdom.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice to Boeing 737 Next Generation and Max operators about a potential issue with its rudder control system.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder
Dictionary Entries Near rudder
Cite this Entry
“Rudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudder. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
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rudder
noun
rud·der
ˈrəd-ər 
: a flat movable piece (as of wood or metal) attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering
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