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

Other Word Forms

• ruddered adjective
• rudderless adjective
• rudderlike adjective
• unruddered 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

After nearly six months, the crew finally managed to float the ship back - but the accident had left its rudder damaged, making it unfit to sail.

From BBC

As you observe their big goofy head navigate toward the stick you threw in the river, you’ll notice their otter tail serving as their rudder as they swim back to you.

From Los Angeles Times

The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship was to depart from Northern Ireland last May, but issues with its rudder stocks meant its guests were marooned in the city for more than four months.

From BBC

I’ve got rudder pedals on the floor and all these controls.

From Los Angeles Times

Scores of mangled and cracked vessels sit on stacks, gaping holes in their hulls, their rudders snapped off and cabin windows broken.

From BBC

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