noun
rudder
RUD-er/ˈrʌdər/
A movable blade used to steer a boat or aircraft.
The boat's rudder turns on hinges at the stern.
Etymology
Old English roðor meant a paddle or oar. The meaning narrowed to the broad blade attached to a boat for steering, rather than the movable implement used for rowing.
In context
a rudder or lower unit can still act to steer the boat when it is not under power
More examples
- The boat's rudder struck a submerged rock.
- A damaged rudder made steering difficult.
- He checked the hinges on the rudder.
Forms
rudder · rudders
Similar words
- tiller
- The lever used to control a boat's rudder.
- steering wheel
- A control the operator turns, rather than the blade it may control.