A rudder is a device for steering a boat. It consists of a vertical piece of wood or metal at the back of the boat.
2. countable noun
An aeroplane's rudder is a vertical piece of metal at the back which is used to make the plane turn to the right or to the left.
rudder in British English
(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
Derived forms
rudderless (ˈrudderless)
adjective
Word origin
Old English rōther; related to Old French rōther, Old High German ruodar, Old Norse rōthr. See row2
rudder in American English
(ˈrʌdər)
noun
1.
a broad, flat, movable piece of wood or metal hinged vertically at the stern of a boat or ship, used for steering
2.
a movable piece attached to the vertical stabilizer of an aircraft, etc., used for controlling direction to the left or right
3.
something serving to guide, direct, or control
Derived forms
rudderless (ˈrudderless)
adjective
Word origin
ME rother < OE; akin to Ger ruder: see row3
Examples of 'rudder' in a sentence
rudder
His rudder and elevator were shot away.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Lambert had no rudder to steer with.
Len Deighton Bomber
They could have very quickly taken out the rudder and the propeller of our ship.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Such action might have damaged her rudder and propellers.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The patron keeps to the stern and steers with a long pole, ignoring the rudder.
Eric Newby A BOOK OF LANDS AND PEOPLES (2003)
The jolt jammed its propeller and rudder, knocking it off course.
The Sun (2009)
It signalled the loss of the boat 's rudder.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They moved the engine from the bonnet to the cabin and added a propeller, rudder and tiller.
The Sun (2009)
He will get special kit to steer the plane, using his prosthetic leg to control the rudder pedals.
The Sun (2008)
Adding "steady' without pausing was his way of telling Munro to only touch the left rudder.
Len Deighton Bomber
Word lists with
rudder
parts of an aircraft, parts of an aircraft
In other languages
rudder
British English: rudder NOUN
A rudder is a device for steering a boat. It consists of a vertical piece of wood or metal at the back of the boat.