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rotation

noun
ro·​ta·​tion | \ rō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce rotation (audio) \

Definition of rotation

1a(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
2a : return or succession in a series rotation of the seasons
b : crop rotation
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
Other Words from rotation Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about rotation

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Other Words from rotation

rotational \ rō-​ˈtā-​shnəl How to pronounce rotational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 On the previous shift, Friday's 4 p.m.-to-midnight rotation, six of the 20 staffers were working overtime. — Olivia Sanchez, USA TODAY, "Jeffrey Epstein's death officially ruled a suicide by New York City's chief medical examiner," 16 Aug. 2019 With Pedro completing 120 minutes in midweek, expect some rotation, with Ross Barkley and Mason Mount potentially involved from the beginning. — SI.com, "Chelsea vs Leicester Preview: Where to Watch, Buy Tickets, Live Streams, Kick Off Time & Team News," 16 Aug. 2019 The club announced Friday that right-hander Taylor Clarke will take Ray’s place in the rotation, taking the ball on Saturday against the Giants. — Nick Piecoro, azcentral, "Diamondbacks’ struggling rotation leaning on rookies," 16 Aug. 2019 He was expected to be part of the Lakers' rotation, one that still has LeBron James plus added Anthony Davis and Danny Green this summer as part of a massive roster overhaul. — Tim Reynolds, Houston Chronicle, "Source: Lakers' DeMarcus Cousins reportedly has torn ACL," 15 Aug. 2019 Related Stories The starters aren’t guaranteed spots in the big-league rotation, particularly if the A’s current group is pitching well. — Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "A’s keeping eye on Las Vegas rotation this week with roster hopefuls in action," 15 Aug. 2019 Here are other personnel notes: Tight end rotation: Ryan Bay, Hunter Kampmoyer and Patrick Herbert. — oregonlive.com, "Oregon fall camp Day 11 practice observations: No. 4 RB absent, 3 injured players return," 14 Aug. 2019 Cashner has had little impact on the rotation, going 1-4 in six starts while posting an 8.01 ERA. — Julian Mcwilliams, BostonGlobe.com, "Red Sox holding out hope Andrew Cashner deal will pay off," 13 Aug. 2019 Vadeeva, who played just 11 minutes and 25 seconds due to a crowded frontcourt rotation, made the most of her time scoring 12 points and five rebounds on five-for-six shooting. — Brady Klopfer, Los Angeles Times, "Chelsea Gray makes clutch shots to lead Sparks past Sky," 11 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rotation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rotation

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

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More Definitions for rotation

rotation

noun
How to pronounce rotation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rotation

: the act or process of moving or turning around a central point
: a complete turn around a central point
: the act of regularly changing something by replacing it with something else

See the full definition for rotation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rotation

noun
ro·​ta·​tion | \ rō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce rotation (audio) \

Kids Definition of rotation

1 : the act of turning about an axis
2 : the system of growing different crops in the same field usually in a regular order

rotation

noun
ro·​ta·​tion | \ rō-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce rotation (audio) \

Medical Definition of rotation

: 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

Other Words from rotation

rotational \ -​shnəl, -​shən-​ᵊl How to pronounce rotational (audio) \ adjective

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