Rotary: meaning, definitions and examples

Best suited for situations involving machines, engines, or tools that involve rotational motion or circular movement.

• The rotary engine is known for its high efficiency
• The rotary dial phones are considered vintage now

Used when referring to things that follow a pattern of alternation or switch back and forth between two states.

• The weather has been alternating between sunny and rainy all week
• The traffic lights alternate between red, yellow and green

Appropriate for situations where something is becoming different or undergoing a transformation over time.

• The landscape is constantly changing due to erosion
• She is always changing her mind about what she wants to do

Best used for describing something moving from one position to another, often in a gradual or subtle manner.

• The political landscape is shifting as new leaders emerge
• He kept shifting his weight from one foot to the other while waiting

Can also refer to organizations or clubs with 'Rotary' in their name, such as service clubs.

• He is a member of the local Rotary Club.
• The Rotary International organization focuses on community service.

Used to describe an object or system that is in the process of turning around a center or axis.

• The rotating fan keeps the room cool.
• The Earth is constantly rotating on its axis.

Often implies a rapid circular movement and is sometimes used to indicate dizziness or disorientation. Also used in textiles to describe the process of making yarn.

• The kids kept spinning around until they got dizzy.
• The spider was busy spinning its web.
• The wool is spinning to create yarn for knitting.

A general word used for any kind of change in direction, orientation, or position. Often used in everyday scenarios.

• She is turning the doorknob to open the door.
• The car was turning left at the intersection.
• He kept turning the pages of the book.