# rotary

/ˈɹoʊtɝi/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊtəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rotary
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. turning in a circle

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

moving or turning around a central point like a wheel.

For teachers: relating to or characterised by rotation; operating by means of a part that rotates around an axis.

- The old telephone had a rotary dial that you had to turn with your finger.
- The engineer specified a rotary engine for the prototype, citing its superior power-to-weight ratio compared to traditional piston designs.

Usage: Often used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe tools, engines, or movements.

### 2. traffic circle

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Dialect

a circular place where several roads meet and cars drive around a center island.

For teachers: a circular road junction in which traffic moves in one direction around a central island.

- Take the second exit when you get to the rotary.
- Navigating the multi-lane rotary during rush hour proved challenging for the tourists, who were more accustomed to standard four-way intersections.

Teaching tip: This term is specifically common in New England and parts of Atlantic Canada; most other English speakers use 'roundabout'.

### 3. service club

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a member of an international group of people who meet to help their local community.

For teachers: a local branch or a member of Rotary International, a global service organisation.

- My grandfather has been an active member of the local Rotary for forty years.
- The Rotary hosted a charity gala last night to raise funds for the new children's wing at the municipal hospital.

## Examples

- The rotary blade spins very fast to cut the grass.
- Old telephones used a rotary dial that you had to turn with your finger to call a number.
- The engineer explained that the rotary engine provides a higher power-to-weight ratio than traditional piston engines because of its unique circular motion.

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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.