# rudder

/ˈɹədɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌdɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rudder
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. steering a boat

noun · CEFR B2

a flat piece of wood or metal at the back of a boat that moves to change its direction.

For teachers: a vertical blade or vane at the stern of a vessel, controlled by a tiller or wheel, used to provide steering through water resistance.

- The captain turned the wheel, moving the rudder to steer the ship into the harbour.
- The ship lost all steering capability after the rudder was damaged by a submerged reef during the storm.

### 2. steering an aircraft

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a movable part on the tail of an airplane used to turn the nose left or right.

For teachers: a movable control surface attached to the vertical stabiliser of an aircraft, used to control yaw.

- The pilot used the foot pedals to move the rudder during the crosswind landing.
- Modern fly-by-wire systems automatically coordinate the rudder movements with the ailerons to ensure a smooth turn.

### 3. a guiding force

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

something that helps a person or organization stay on the right path or make decisions.

For teachers: a metaphorical guide or governing principle that determines the course of an individual, group, or project.

- Without a clear plan, the new company felt like a ship without a rudder.
- His strong ethical convictions served as a rudder throughout his turbulent political career, keeping him focused on his original goals.

## Examples

- The pilot moved the rudder to turn the plane.
- Without a functioning rudder, the ship was at the mercy of the strong ocean currents and began to drift toward the rocks.
- The new CEO acted as a rudder for the struggling corporation, providing the steady direction and strategic oversight necessary to navigate the volatile market conditions.

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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.