Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To cause to turn around an axis or center point: To move something in a circular motion around a fixed point.
   • To cause to follow a recurring sequence or order: To alternate or cycle through a series of positions, duties, or items in a planned, regular manner.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To turn or spin around a central point: To move in a circle around an axis.
   • To take turns in a recurring sequence: To alternate with others in performing a duty or occupying a position.

Examples of Usage

• Transitive Verb:
  • Please rotate the wheel slowly to the right. (You cause the wheel to turn.)
  • The manager will rotate the team assignments next week. (You cause the assignments to change in a cycle.)
• Intransitive Verb:
  • The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours. (It turns around its own center.)
  • The guards rotate every four hours. (They take turns according to a schedule.)

Advanced Usage

• In Agriculture: To describe the practice of growing different crops in succession on the same land.
  • Farmers rotate corn and soybeans to maintain soil health.
• In Employment/Training: To describe a system where individuals work in different departments or roles.
  • Medical residents rotate through various hospital specialties.
• In Physics/Mechanics: To describe the motion of a rigid body.
  • The gears rotate in opposite directions.

Variants and Related Words

• Rotation (n): The action or process of rotating.
  • The rotation of the planet causes day and night.
• Rotatable (adj): Capable of being rotated.
  • The seat is rotatable for easy access.
• Rotatory (adj): Of, relating to, or causing rotation. (Less common, more technical)
  • The machine has a rotatory mechanism.

Synonyms

• Turn: To move around a central point. (General)
• Spin: To rotate rapidly.
• Revolve: To move in a circular orbit around an external point. (Often used for celestial bodies)
• Pivot: To turn on or as if on a central point.
• Alternate: To occur or act in turns. (For the sequential meaning)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rotate out: To remove someone or something from a regular position or duty as part of a cycle.
  • The old equipment will be rotated out and replaced next month.
• Rotate in: To introduce someone or something into a regular position or duty as part of a cycle.
  • A new player was rotated in during the second half.

Related Idioms

• (To be) on a rotation: To be part of a scheduled, recurring sequence.
  • The interns are on a rotation through all the major departments.
• In rotation: Happening in a repeated, cyclical order.
  • The tasks are done in rotation so everyone gets a turn.

Verb

1. plant or grow in a fixed cyclic order of succession
   • We rotate the crops so as to maximize the use of the soil
2. turn outward
   • These birds can splay out their toes
   • ballet dancers can rotate their legs out by 90 degrees
3. cause to turn on an axis or center
   • Rotate the handle
4. perform a job or duty on a rotating basis
   • Interns have to rotate for a few months
5. exchange on a regular basis
   • We rotate the lead soprano every night
6. turn on or around an axis or a center
   • The Earth revolves around the Sun
   • The lamb roast rotates on a spit over the fire