# propeller

/pɹəˈpɛɫɝ/ (US) · /pɹəpˈɛlɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/propeller
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a device with spinning blades that pushes a boat or airplane through the water or air.

For teachers: a mechanical device consisting of a hub with radiating blades that are set at a pitch to form a helical surface. It produces thrust by rotating in a fluid medium such as air or water.

## Examples

- The boat's propeller started spinning as we left the dock.
- The pilot checked the propeller for any cracks or damage before starting the engine for takeoff.
- Advanced submarine designs often feature multi-bladed propellers engineered to minimize cavitation, thereby reducing the acoustic signature of the vessel during stealth operations.

## Usage notes

- Commonly refers to the external propulsion component of ships or aircraft.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.