1 rote | Definition of rote

rote

noun (1)
\ ˈrōt How to pronounce rote (audio) \

Definition of rote

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1 : the use of memory usually with little intelligence learn by rote
2 : mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition a joyless sense of order, rote, and commercial hustle— L. L. King

rote

adjective

Definition of rote (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : learned or memorized by rote

rote

noun (2)

Definition of rote (Entry 3 of 4)

rote

noun (3)

Definition of rote (Entry 4 of 4)

: the noise of surf on the shore

Other Words from rote

Adjective

rotely adverb

First Known Use of rote

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1610, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rote

Noun (1)

Middle English

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hruozza crowd

Noun (3)

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse rauta to roar — more at rout

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More Definitions for rote

rote

noun
\ ˈrōt How to pronounce rote (audio) \

Kids Definition of rote

: the act of repeating over and over often without attention to meaning I learned the poem by rote.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rote

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rote

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rote

Spanish Central: Translation of rote

Britannica English: Translation of rote for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rote