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.
Opt for high-quality sets in bold prints and keep them in constant rotation. Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026 While chip stocks have stumbled, a rotation into other sectors has helped to buoy the market. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026 That sodium number is worth flagging for anyone watching salt intake, but the low calorie count and portable format keep jerky in rotation as a road-trip and gym-bag staple. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 Who Whisenhunt replaces in the rotation is yet to be announced, and his official promotion is not expected until Thursday’s off day. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 July 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 10 Jul. 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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