rotate
6 synonyms for rotate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To turn around a central point or axis.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rotate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rotate crops
rotate staff
rotate the image
Etymology
From Latin rotatus, past participle of rotare, "to revolve," from rota, "wheel."
Full origin of rotate →Frequently asked questions
What does “rotate” mean?
The word “rotate” means to turn around a central point or axis. In plain terms, to turn around an axis, or to swap in and out in a repeating order.
How do you pronounce “rotate”?
“Rotate” is pronounced roh-TAYT (/ˈɹoʊ.teɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “rotate” in a sentence?
Here is “rotate” used in a sentence: “The earth rotates once every twenty-four hours.”
What is another word for “rotate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rotate” include revolve and circumvolve.
What part of speech is “rotate”?
“Rotate” is a verb.
Where does the word “rotate” come from?
The word “rotate” comes from Latin. From Latin rotatus, past participle of rotare, "to revolve," from rota, "wheel.".
Is “rotate” a common word?
“Rotate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “rotate” have?
“Rotate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to turn around a central point or axis.
What is the difference between rotate and revolve?
Rotate typically describes something turning around its own central axis, like a wheel or a planet spinning on its axis, while revolve more often describes movement around an external point, like a planet orbiting the sun. In everyday usage, however, the two words are frequently used interchangeably.
How is rotate used to describe crop farming?
In farming, to rotate means to grow different crops on the same land in successive seasons rather than planting the same crop repeatedly. Crop rotation helps maintain soil health and reduce pest buildup over time.
What does it mean to rotate staff or duties at work?
When used about people, to rotate means to take turns in a role or move through a sequence of duties in order, such as employees rotating shifts or responsibilities. This usage extends the core meaning of taking turns from the physical sense of turning around an axis.
