rudder
noun
rud·der ˈrə-dər 
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
rudderless
ˈrə-dər-ləs
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Carlin then outfitted the dash with aircraft navigational equipment, added a two-way radio, and hid auxiliary fuel tanks in the bow and rudder. 
Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 When the propeller isn’t running, the orcas might get frustrated and break off the rudder. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022 Also, the boat’s rudder was knocked out of place by an unidentified marine animal — sending the boat spinning. Fox News, 30 July 2022 Eventually, Williams ran out of ammunition, and cannon fire from a MiG took out control of his rudder and hydraulics. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2022 Inside the eDA40’s is seating for four with adjustable pilot seat backs and lumbar support, electrically adjustable rudder pedals and electric air conditioning. J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 5 May 2022 The tail section of the plane consists of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, including the fin, rudder and elevators, which help to control the plane in flight. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2022 How, without rudder or wing, to steer, To get hold of this floating grave. Osip Mandelstam, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2022 New Irish coach Marcus Freeman has steadied the rudder. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 1 Jan. 2022 See More
Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2022 When the propeller isn’t running, the orcas might get frustrated and break off the rudder. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2022 Also, the boat’s rudder was knocked out of place by an unidentified marine animal — sending the boat spinning. Fox News, 30 July 2022 Eventually, Williams ran out of ammunition, and cannon fire from a MiG took out control of his rudder and hydraulics. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2022 Inside the eDA40’s is seating for four with adjustable pilot seat backs and lumbar support, electrically adjustable rudder pedals and electric air conditioning. J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 5 May 2022 The tail section of the plane consists of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, including the fin, rudder and elevators, which help to control the plane in flight. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2022 How, without rudder or wing, to steer, To get hold of this floating grave. Osip Mandelstam, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2022 New Irish coach Marcus Freeman has steadied the rudder. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 1 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English rother, from Old English rōther paddle; akin to Old English rōwan to row
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
rudder
noun
rud·der ˈrə-dər
: a movable flat piece attached at the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering