# rotation

/ɹoʊˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹəʊtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rotation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. turning around an axis

noun · CEFR B2

the movement of something turning around a central point or line.

For teachers: the act or process of turning around a central point or fixed axis.

- The earth's rotation on its axis is what gives us day and night.
- The turbine's speed of rotation must be carefully monitored to prevent mechanical failure under high-pressure conditions.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of' or 'on'.

### 2. taking turns

noun · CEFR B2

a system where people or things follow each other in a regular order.

For teachers: a regular, recurring sequence of events, tasks, or personnel assignments.

- The doctors at the clinic work on a weekly rotation.
- The head chef implemented a strict rotation for the kitchen staff to ensure that everyone gained experience at every station.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'in rotation' or 'on a rotation'.

### 3. radio/media play

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

how often a song or advertisement is played on the radio or TV.

For teachers: the repeated broadcasting of a specific recording or advertisement within a scheduled period.

- The band's new single is in heavy rotation on all the major radio stations.
- The marketing agency negotiated for the commercial to remain in high rotation during prime-time viewing hours for the duration of the campaign.

### 4. aviation takeoff

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the moment during takeoff when the pilot lifts the nose of the plane off the ground.

For teachers: the specific action during the takeoff roll where the pilot applies back-pressure to the controls to lift the nose wheel.

- The pilot reached rotation speed and gently pulled back on the stick.
- If rotation is attempted before the calculated V-speed is reached, the aircraft may stall or suffer a tail strike on the runway.

### 5. investment shifts

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

moving money from one type of investment to another as the economy changes.

For teachers: the movement of investment capital from one industry sector or asset class to another in response to economic cycles.

- Investors are starting a rotation out of tech stocks and into energy.
- Market analysts observed a significant sector rotation as institutional investors moved toward defensive stocks in anticipation of a recession.

## Examples

- The Earth's rotation causes day and night.
- The hospital staff works on a monthly rotation to ensure that everyone takes a turn on the night shift.
- Crop rotation is a fundamental agricultural practice that prevents soil exhaustion by alternating the types of plants grown in a specific field over successive seasons.

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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.