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
Ukrainian soldiers remotely controlling quadcopters are now engaging in midair dogfights, searching for blind spots to knock out the rudders of uncrewed Russian crafts rigged with bombs.
—
Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2024
The unit is a backup system in case the main rudder power unit becomes inoperable.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 17 June 2024
The Challenge: Visitors can climb aboard this replica of a Great Lakes Schooner to walk the deck, ring the bell, turn the rudder and learn more about 19th-century sailing vessels.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024
According to a preliminary report by the FAA, an inspection after the plane landed showed damage to a unit that provides backup power to the rudder.
—CBS News, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder 
Anna Mulrine Grobe, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2024
The unit is a backup system in case the main rudder power unit becomes inoperable.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 17 June 2024
The Challenge: Visitors can climb aboard this replica of a Great Lakes Schooner to walk the deck, ring the bell, turn the rudder and learn more about 19th-century sailing vessels.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024
According to a preliminary report by the FAA, an inspection after the plane landed showed damage to a unit that provides backup power to the rudder.
—CBS News, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rudder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rudder
Cite this Entry
“Rudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudder. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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