rudder

[ ruhd-er ]

noun

1. Nautical. a vertical blade at the stern of a vessel that can be turned horizontally to change the vessel's direction when in motion.
2. Aeronautics. a movable control surface attached to a vertical stabilizer, located at the rear of an airplane and used, along with the ailerons, to turn the airplane.
3. any means of or device for governing, directing, or guiding a course, as a leader or principle:

   His ideas provided a rudder for the new company.

rudder

/ ˈrʌdə /

noun

1. nautical a pivoted vertical vane that projects into the water at the stern of a vessel and can be controlled by a tiller, wheel, or other apparatus to steer the vessel
2. a vertical control surface attached to the rear of the fin used to steer an aircraft, in conjunction with the ailerons
3. anything that guides or directs

Derived Forms

• ˈrudderless, adjective

Other Words From

• rud·dered adjective
• rud·der·less adjective
• rud·der·like adjective
• un·rud·dered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rudder¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English rodder, rother, ruder, Old English rōther; cognate with Old Frisian rōther, Middle Dutch rōder ( Dutch roer ), Old High German ruodar ( German Ruder ); akin to row ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of rudder¹

Old English rōther ; related to Old French rōther , Old High German ruodar , Old Norse rōthr . See row ²

Example Sentences

The voyage date was shifted when problems arose with its rudders and gearbox.

From BBC

But until 30 September, it was stuck in Belfast due to problems with its rudders and gearbox.

From BBC

But until Monday 30 September, the ship was stuck in Belfast due to problems with its rudders and gearbox.

From BBC

The group found damage to its hull, propeller and rudder, but the Ruby was still deemed “seaworthy”.

From BBC

But the ship has still not left yet thanks to problems with its rudders and gearbox.

From BBC

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