adj
Uncommon
rotary
ROH-tuh-ree
Rotary (adj) means turning or able to turn around a central axis. Example: “The washing machine has a rotary drum.”
adj
1
Turning or able to turn around a central axis.
"The washing machine has a rotary drum."
noun
1
A road junction where traffic circulates around a central island; a traffic circle or roundabout (chiefly North American).
"Take the second exit off the rotary onto Main Street."
How to use rotary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRotating, or (in North American English) a traffic circle.
UK vs US
North Americans say "rotary," the British usually say "roundabout" for the same road feature.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- rotaries
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The washing machine has a _____ drum.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin rotarius, ultimately from Latin rota, "wheel."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for rotary
See all rhymes for rotary →Frequently asked questions
What does “rotary” mean?
The word “rotary” means turning or able to turn around a central axis. In plain terms, rotating, or (in North American English) a traffic circle.
How do you pronounce “rotary”?
“Rotary” is pronounced ROH-tuh-ree (/ˈɹoʊ.tə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “rotary” in a sentence?
Here is “rotary” used in a sentence: “The washing machine has a rotary drum.”
What part of speech is “rotary”?
Depending on how it is used, “rotary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “rotary” come from?
The word “rotary” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin rotarius, ultimately from Latin rota, "wheel.".
Is “rotary” a common word?
“Rotary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rotary” have?
“Rotary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: turning or able to turn around a central axis.
What is the difference between a rotary and a roundabout?
Rotary and roundabout both describe a road junction where traffic circulates around a central island, but rotary is the term chiefly used in North America, while roundabout is more common in British English. They refer to essentially the same type of traffic control feature.
What does rotary mean when describing a mechanical part?
When used as an adjective, rotary describes something that turns or is able to turn around a central axis, as in a rotary engine or rotary phone. This sense emphasizes circular motion rather than the traffic junction meaning.
Why do some old telephones use the word rotary?
Rotary phones are named for their dial, which users turned around a central axis to select each number, reflecting the adjective sense of rotary meaning able to turn on an axis. This distinguishes them from later push-button telephones.
