rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən 
1
a(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
2
a
: return or succession in a series
rotation of the seasons
b
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
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
The only Thunder rotation player ruled out for Sunday’s contest against the Heat is Isaiah Hartenstein, who will miss the game because of a right soleus strain.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Then, keep it in your wardrobe rotation to throw over your shoulders come spring.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Grab this versatile gray option or score the set in 10 additional colors to coordinate with the rest of your autumn outfit rotation.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
That’s the key for the Warriors — Melton and Horford’s improved play and availability have helped Kerr nail down his rotation.
—Nick Friedell, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Rotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
1
a
: the act of rotating especially on an axis
b
: one complete turn
2
Medical Definition
rotation
noun
ro·ta·tion
rō-ˈtā-shən
: 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
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