rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən 
1
a(1)
: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center
(2)
: the act or an instance of rotating something
b
: one complete turn : the angular displacement required to return a rotating body or figure to its original orientation
2
a
: return or succession in a series
rotation of the seasons
b
3
: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
4
: a game of pool in which all 15 object balls are shot in numerical order
5
: the series of pitchers on a baseball team who regularly start successive games in turn
Synonyms
Examples of rotation in a Sentence
the rotation of the Earth around its axis
the rotation of the Moon around the Earth
The Earth makes one rotation every day.
Alfalfa and corn are planted in rotation.
the rotation of the job of club president
The car needs a tire rotation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hefner is quickly building a reputation as a coach who can help transform scuffling back-end starters into frontline rotation options, and the Mets are hoping Montas can benefit from his coaching.
—
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
Cleveland was already really good and added a legitimate rotation player on the wing who can make open shots, defend and close games if needed.
—J. Robbins, J. Edwards and D. Mayberry, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
The Bulls might be missing several key rotation players — Ball is sick and Jalen Smith missed Friday’s practice for personal reasons — leaving two potential holes for the new players to fill.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, SpaceX, which had its Crew Dragon spacecraft certified after a successful crewed test flight in 2020, has already flown up nine operational crew rotation flights to the ISS with a 10th on tap as soon as March.
—Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rotation 
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Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
Cleveland was already really good and added a legitimate rotation player on the wing who can make open shots, defend and close games if needed.
—J. Robbins, J. Edwards and D. Mayberry, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
The Bulls might be missing several key rotation players — Ball is sick and Jalen Smith missed Friday’s practice for personal reasons — leaving two potential holes for the new players to fill.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, SpaceX, which had its Crew Dragon spacecraft certified after a successful crewed test flight in 2020, has already flown up nine operational crew rotation flights to the ISS with a 10th on tap as soon as March.
—Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rotation
Dictionary Entries Near rotation
Cite this Entry
“Rotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotation. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
1
a
: the act of rotating especially on an axis
b
: one complete turn
2
Medical Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
: the action or process of rotating on or as if on an axis or center
specifically
: the turning of a body part about its long axis as if on a pivot
rotation of the head to look over the shoulder
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