Rotary is a word with a few different meanings. It can refer to a traffic junctionA place where roads, paths, or lines meet and cross., an electricalRelated to electricity or powered by it. device, or something that turns or moves in a circle. The most common everyday use is the traffic-junctionA road meeting point where vehicles can turn or cross. meaning.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈroʊtəri/
Easy pronunciation: ROH-tuh-ree (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
This uses the noun sense meaning a round traffic junction.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Rotary Meaning
a round traffic junction
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a road junction where traffic moves around a central island
Example: Take the second exit at the rotary.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- roundabout — Common term for the same kind of traffic junction in British English and some other varieties.
- traffic circle — A clear synonym for the traffic-junction sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Rotary
Meaning 2
a machine that changes AC to DC or the other way around
Part of speech: noun
Definition: electrical converter consisting of a synchronous machine that converts alternating to direct current or vice versa
Example: The old substation still uses a rotary.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- rotary converter — Exact term for this electrical device.
- synchronous converter — Technical synonym for the same device.
Meaning 3
moving around in a circle
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: describing a circle; moving in a circle
Example: The toy has a rotary motion.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- circular — Works well as a general substitute for this sense.
Meaning 4
connected with turning or spinning
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: relating to or characterized by rotation
Example: The phone has a rotary dial.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Rotary Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- roundabout
- traffic circle
electrical converter device
- rotary converter
- synchronous converter
moving in a circle / circular
- circular
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Don't confuse rotary the traffic junction with rotary as an adjective meaning turning or spinning.
- Don't use circle as a synonym for the traffic-junction sense in everyday writing; roundabout or traffic circle is clearer.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rotary mean?
Rotary can mean a traffic junction where cars move around a central island, an electrical converter, or something that turns in a circle.
What is rotary a synonym of?
In the traffic sense, rotary is closest to roundabout and traffic circle. In the electrical sense, it refers to a rotary converter or synchronous converter. As an adjective, it can mean circular or rotational.
Is rotary the same as roundabout?
Yes, in the traffic-junction sense, rotary and roundabout refer to the same kind of road layout, though usage varies by region.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
