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

A dozen city managers rotated through in the last two years, Hawkins said.

From Los Angeles Times

Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

From BBC

Since taking over the role as head coach in 2023, Mitchell has built depth by rotating his squad regularly to build two strong teams.

From BBC

On “The Daily Show,” which airs on Paramount-owned Comedy Central and has rotating hosts, Jon Stewart suited up for emceeing duties outside his usual Monday slot.

From Los Angeles Times

The works, which she describes as bizarre and wild and “totally not boring,” can be rotated and displayed four different ways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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