Synonyms of rotationnext
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
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

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
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.
But on Tuesday, left-hander Eric Lauer returned to the rotation and coughed up seven runs in three innings. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman made clear this week that Dunnigan is ready to help and will be in the rotation at safety. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Also, new in the rotation, our senior Test Kitchen editor Jesse Szewyck’s Grilled Steak With Spicy Peanut Dressing from the summer issue. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 Li Jiaying is expected to remain aboard for about a year, twice the usual six-month rotation. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rotation

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotation was circa 1550

Cite this Entry

“Rotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

rotation

noun
1
a
: the act of rotating especially on an axis
b
: one complete turn
2
rotational adjective

Medical Definition

rotation

noun
: 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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