1
: an underwater blade that is positioned at the stern of a boat or ship and controlled by its helm and that when turned causes the vessel's head to turn in the same direction
2
: a movable auxiliary airfoil on an airplane usually attached at the rear end that serves to control direction of flight in the horizontal plane see airplane illustration
3
: a guiding force or strategy
Examples of rudder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice to Boeing 737 Next Generation and Max operators about a potential issue with its rudder control system.
—
Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024
Twin rudders combine with the hull design for a high degree of responsiveness.
—Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
Like removing the rudder from a boat, we are left to drift where the current wants to take us ...
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024
Just last week, federal safety investigators issued urgent recommendations to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration after determining pedals that pilots use to steer 737 Max jetliners on runways can become jammed because moisture can leak into a rudder assembly and freeze.
—Claire Rush, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder 
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Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024
Twin rudders combine with the hull design for a high degree of responsiveness.
—Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024
Like removing the rudder from a boat, we are left to drift where the current wants to take us ...
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024
Just last week, federal safety investigators issued urgent recommendations to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration after determining pedals that pilots use to steer 737 Max jetliners on runways can become jammed because moisture can leak into a rudder assembly and freeze.
—Claire Rush, Chicago Tribune, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder
Dictionary Entries Near rudder
Cite this Entry
“Rudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudder. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rudder
noun
rud·der
ˈrəd-ər 
: a flat movable piece (as of wood or metal) attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering
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