Rudder Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈɹədɝ/

RUH-dur

UK

/ɹˈʌdɐ/

RUH-duh

Definition

A rudder is a flat piece on a boat, ship, or aircraft that helps steer and control its direction by turning it left or right.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in nautical and aviation contexts. In ships and planes, the 'rudder' directly controls steering. Do not confuse with 'oar' (for rowing) or 'steering wheel' (drives the rudder). In metaphorical use, 'rudderless' means without direction or control.

• Spanish: timón
• Portuguese (BR): leme
• Portuguese (PT): leme
• Chinese (Simplified): 舵
• Chinese (Traditional): 舵
• Hindi: पतवार
• Arabic: دَفَّة
• Bengali: রাডার
• Russian: руль
• Japanese: 舵
• Vietnamese: bánh lái
• Korean: 키
• Turkish: dümen
• Urdu: سُکان
• Indonesian: kemudi

Example Sentences

The ship turned when the captain moved the rudder.

basic

A plane's rudder helps it turn in the air.

basic

Without a rudder, a boat cannot be steered properly.

basic

The fishing boat’s rudder got stuck on a rock.

natural

She studied how tiny changes to the rudder affect a plane’s flight.

natural

After the storm, we realized our rudder had broken off.

natural