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 rudder’s standby power control unit (PCU) was damaged.
—
Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024
In some situations, pilots can use rudder inputs to dampen the Dutch roll by anticipating the roll and countering it with small rudder corrections.
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
The crew of that ship had to abandon the boat after a group of orcas slammed into the rudder for a whole 45 minutes.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 May 2024
Audio recorders captured the local pilot, aboard to guide the ship through the harbor and shipping channel, making steering commands and rudder orders.
—Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder 
Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024
In some situations, pilots can use rudder inputs to dampen the Dutch roll by anticipating the roll and countering it with small rudder corrections.
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
The crew of that ship had to abandon the boat after a group of orcas slammed into the rudder for a whole 45 minutes.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 May 2024
Audio recorders captured the local pilot, aboard to guide the ship through the harbor and shipping channel, making steering commands and rudder orders.
—Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rudder
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Dictionary Entries Near rudder
Cite this Entry
“Rudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rudder. Accessed 19 Aug. 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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