rotate

¹

[roh-teyt, roh-teyt]

verb (used with object)

rotated, rotating 

1. to cause to turn around an axis or center point; revolve.

   Synonyms: whirl, wheel

2. to cause to go through a cycle of changes; cause to pass or follow in a fixed routine of succession.

   to rotate farm crops.

3. to replace (a person, troops, etc.) by another or others, usually according to a schedule or plan.

verb (used without object)

rotated, rotating 

1. to turn around on or as if on an axis.

2. to proceed in a fixed routine of succession.

   The sentries rotated in keeping watch.

rotate

²

[roh-teyt]

adjective

1. wheel-shaped: applied especially to a gamopetalous short-tubed corolla with a spreading limb.

rotate

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn around an axis, line, or point; revolve or spin

2. to follow or cause to follow a set order or sequence

3. (of a position, presidency, etc) to pass in turn from one eligible party to each of the other eligible parties

4. (of staff) to replace or be replaced in turn

adjective

1. botany designating a corolla the united petals of which radiate from a central point like the spokes of a wheel

Other Word Forms

• rotatable adjective
• rotatably adverb
• nonrotatable adjective
• nonrotating adjective
• unrotated adjective
• unrotating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rotate¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin rotātus (past participle of rotāre “to cause to spin, roll, move in a circle”), equivalent to rot(a) “wheel” + -ātus -ate ¹

Origin of rotate²

1775–85; < Latin rot ( a ) wheel + -ate ¹

Synonym Study

See turn.

Example Sentences

But I’m not even going to attempt to pretend to have any real expertise in the adventures of a large rotating cast over 22 seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

England's quarter-final place is already assured but head coach John Mitchell has picked a near first-choice side, with 13 changes from the rotated side that thrashed Samoa last weekend.

From BBC

“It’s a rotating slot and almost every night is something different,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Hamilton would use the rise in rear ride-height during braking, and the subsequent shift in aerodynamic balance that generated more front grip, to rotate the car.

From BBC

If temperatures climb to 87 degrees, or employees are required to work near hot equipment, employers must cool the worksite or rotate workers out of hot environments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pivot 
• revolve 
• spin 
• swivel 
• twirl 
• twist 
• whirl