rudder

noun

rud·​der ˈrə-dər How to pronounce rudder (audio)
1
: an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel's head to turn in the same direction
2
: a movable auxiliary airfoil on an airplane usually attached at the rear end that serves to control direction of flight in the horizontal plane see airplane illustration
3
: a guiding force or strategy
rudderless
ˈrə-dər-ləs How to pronounce rudder (audio)
adjective

Examples of rudder in a Sentence

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.
To turn the rudder, six cadets must man three massive wheels made of wood and copper. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026 This will either replace or supplement traditional flaps and rudders. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 Neither uses propellor propulsion or rudders; instead, gas turbines power high-speed water jets. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 Just before the crash, the truck turned to the left and the airplane's rudder turned 6 degrees to the left -- indicating that both the truck and the plane attempted to swerve to avoid the collision. — Clara McMichael, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rudder

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rother, from Old English rōther paddle; akin to Old English rōwan to row

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rudder was in the 15th century

Rhymes for rudder

See All Rhymes for rudder

Browse Nearby Words

Rudd
rudder
rudder angle
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Cite this Entry

“Rudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudder. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rudder

noun
rud·​der ˈrəd-ər How to pronounce rudder (audio)
: a flat movable piece (as of wood or metal) attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering

More from Merriam-Webster on rudder

Nglish: Translation of rudder for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rudder

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