rotation

rotation — noun

1. the action of turning around a central point, like a wheel spinning on its axle

1.nounB1
Definition

the action of turning around a central point, like a wheel spinning on its axle or the Earth turning on its axis

Example

The steady rotation of the Earth causes day and night to follow each other.

collocation: rotation of the Earth

Heloísa centred the clay while watching the wheel's rotation on the potter's bench.

wheel's rotation

Common collocations
  • rotation of [noun]
  • rotation speed
  • direction of rotation
  • axis of rotation
  • rotation rate
Synonyms
  • spinning

    more informal; suggests rapid circular motion on the spot

  • revolving

    suggests movement in a circular path around an external point, like a planet around the sun

  • turning

    more general; can describe any change of direction, not necessarily circular

Grammar Patterns

rotation + of + noun

Usage Note

In this sense, rotation is typically uncountable and describes the ongoing motion itself, not a single completed turn.

Common Mistakes

The rotation of the wheel happen very fast.
The rotation of the wheels happens very fast.
'rotation' is uncountable here and takes a singular verb.

2. a single full turn in which something goes all the way around the point at its c

2.nounB1
Definition

a single full turn in which something goes all the way around the point at its centre, ending up back where it started

Example

Faisal tightened the bolt with three full rotations of the wrench.

number + rotation(s): three full rotations

The Earth makes one complete rotation on its axis every twenty-four hours.

collocation: make + [number] + rotation(s)

Common collocations
  • complete rotation
  • full rotation
  • rotation per minute
  • make a rotation
  • each rotation
Synonyms
  • revolution

    more formal; commonly used for machinery and planets

  • turn

    simpler, less technical; suitable for everyday use

  • spin

    emphasises speed; often used for toys or sports

Grammar Patterns

number + rotation(s)

rotation + of + number + degrees

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1, this sense is countable: you can say 'five rotations' or 'each rotation'. Use it when referring to individual turns rather than the general process of turning.

3. the practice of planting different types of crops in a field in a planned order

3.nounB2
Definition

the practice of planting different types of crops in a field in a planned order over several seasons so that the soil stays healthy and pests do not build up

Example

Farmers in this region use crop rotation to keep the soil rich in nutrients.

collocation: use + crop rotation

The Tariro family follows a four-year rotation of corn, beans, wheat, and clover.

pattern: rotation of [crop A], [crop B], [crop C]

Common collocations
  • crop rotation
  • rotation system
  • rotation cycle
  • rotation plan
  • rotation of crops
Synonyms
  • crop cycling

    less common synonym, used in some farming manuals

Grammar Patterns

crop rotation

rotation + of + crops

Usage Note

In agriculture, rotation almost always appears in the compound 'crop rotation'. Avoid using 'rotation' alone to mean this — the full phrase is standard.

Common Mistakes

The rotation helps the soil.
Crop rotation helps the soil.
In agriculture, use the full phrase 'crop rotation' rather than 'rotation' alone.

4. a system in which workers take turns doing different tasks or working in differe

4.nounB2
Definition

a system in which workers take turns doing different tasks or working in different places, so that everyone shares both the interesting and the boring duties

Example

The hospital uses a rotation system so that no single nurse works every night shift.

collocation: rotation system

Nadia completed a six-month rotation in the marketing department before moving to sales.

pattern: complete + [time period] + rotation + in/at + [department]

Common collocations
  • job rotation
  • rotation system
  • on rotation
  • rotation through [departments]
  • rotation schedule
  • complete a rotation
Synonyms
  • roster

    refers to the list or schedule of who works when, not the system itself

  • turn-taking

    more informal; used for simple alternating duties rather than structured programmes

  • shift work

    focuses on working outside standard hours, not the rotation among roles

Grammar Patterns

rotation + through/across/between + noun

on rotation

Usage Note

Common in professional contexts like medicine (medical rotation), retail (shift rotation), and corporate training (job rotation). When referring to a specific assignment period, it is countable: 'I did a rotation in pediatrics.'

5. the main pitchers who form a baseball team's regular schedule for starting games

5.nounC1
Definition

the main pitchers who form a baseball team's regular schedule for starting games, with a different pitcher taking each game in turn

Example

The team's starting rotation includes three pitchers with strong fastballs and good control.

collocation: starting rotation

The ace pitcher's shoulder injury forced a reshuffle of the entire starting rotation for two months.

starting rotation

Common collocations
  • starting rotation
  • pitching rotation
  • rotation spot
  • in the rotation
  • rotation pitcher
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

the rotation

starting rotation

in the rotation

Usage Note

This sense is specific to American baseball culture. Outside the United States, speakers may not recognise it. The full term is 'starting rotation' or 'pitching rotation'; using 'rotation' alone assumes the listener knows the context.

Common Mistakes

The rotation is very tired after nine innings.
The starting rotation is very tired after nine innings.
Use 'starting rotation' or 'pitching rotation' for clarity, especially with non-expert readers.