tilt-rotor

noun

tilt-ro·​tor ˈtilt-ˌrō-tər How to pronounce tilt-rotor (audio)
Synonyms of tilt-rotornext
: an aircraft that has rotors at the end of each wing which can be oriented vertically for vertical takeoffs and landings, horizontally for forward flight, or to any position in between

Examples of tilt-rotor in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition, Sikorsky says its RBW design also helps tail-sitter or tilt-rotor aircraft and similar vehicles have smoother transitions from hovering to slow horizontal flight to cruising speeds. — David Szondy, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2025 By 2020, the design brief had morphed through a 12-rotor three-person contender called the Seraph to a tilt-rotor people carrier concept dubbed the VA-1X – which the company's Chief Engineer detailed in an interview shortly after the reveal. — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 19 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tilt-rotor was in 1961

Rhymes for tilt-rotor

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Browse Nearby Words

tilt roof
tilt-rotor
tilt-top table
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Cite this Entry

“Tilt-rotor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tilt-rotor. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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