noun
Uncommon
rudder
RUH-duh
Rudder (noun) means a flat, hinged piece at the back of a boat or aircraft used to steer it. Example: “The captain turned the rudder hard to avoid the rocks.”
noun
1
A flat, hinged piece at the back of a boat or aircraft used to steer it.
"The captain turned the rudder hard to avoid the rocks."
"The pilot used the foot pedals to control the plane's rudder."
How to use rudder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe steering surface at the back of a boat, plane, or similar vehicle.
Common pairings
steer with the rudder
rudder pedals
without a rudder
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rudder.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rudders
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The captain turned the _____ hard to avoid the rocks.
Etymology
From Old English rōþor, "oar, rudder," ultimately from a root meaning "to row" — a rudder was originally just a steering oar.
Rhymes for rudder
See all rhymes for rudder →Frequently asked questions
What does “rudder” mean?
The word “rudder” means a flat, hinged piece at the back of a boat or aircraft used to steer it. In plain terms, the steering surface at the back of a boat, plane, or similar vehicle.
How do you pronounce “rudder”?
“Rudder” is pronounced RUH-duh (/ˈɹʌdɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rudder” in a sentence?
Here is “rudder” used in a sentence: “The captain turned the rudder hard to avoid the rocks.”
What part of speech is “rudder”?
“Rudder” is a noun.
Where does the word “rudder” come from?
The word “rudder” comes from Old English. From Old English rōþor, "oar, rudder," ultimately from a root meaning "to row" — a rudder was originally just a steering oar.
Is “rudder” a common word?
“Rudder” is an uncommon word in modern English.
