1
a
: turning on an axis like a wheel
b
: taking place about an axis
rotary motion
2
: having an important part that turns on an axis
rotary cutter
3
: characterized by rotation
4
: of, relating to, or being a press in which paper is printed by rotation in contact with a curved printing surface attached to a cylinder
plural rotaries
1
: a rotary machine
2
: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only
called also circle, traffic circle
Examples of rotary in a Sentence
Adjective
the rotary action of the wheel
Recent Examples on the Web
Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
It’s set in a period that’s never named but that feels like the late ’70s (rotary phones, a Bigfoot for President T-shirt, a general lackadaisical nowheresville-in-the-desert atmosphere).
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for rotary 
Adjective
Twisting the rotary controller to the right selects Sport+, which enhances the power train’s response and stiffens the suspension.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
It’s set in a period that’s never named but that feels like the late ’70s (rotary phones, a Bigfoot for President T-shirt, a general lackadaisical nowheresville-in-the-desert atmosphere).
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for rotary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rotary.' 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 rotary
Cite this Entry
“Rotary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotary. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rotary
1 of 2 adjective
ro·ta·ry
ˈrōt-ə-rē 
1
a
: turning on an axis like a wheel
a rotary blade
b
: taking place about an axis
rotary motion
2
: having a rotating part
a rotary lawn mower
rotary
2 of 2 noun
plural rotaries
1
: a rotary machine
2
: a road junction formed around a central circle about which traffic moves in one direction only
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