a rotation

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   The act of turning around a central point, or one complete turn.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to one turn ('a rotation'), uncountable when referring to the process ('rotation of the Earth').

   Patterns

   • the rotation of something
   • in rotation
   • one rotation

   The rotation of the Earth causes day and night.

   The wheel makes one rotation every second.

   The doctor checked the rotation of the joint.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountable

   A regular cycle in which people take turns doing a job or crops are grown in a planned order.

   Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'crop rotation' or 'job rotation'.

   Patterns

   • crop rotation
   • job rotation
   • in rotation

   Crop rotation helps keep the soil healthy.

   The nurses work in rotation, so everyone does night shifts.

   The committee members serve in rotation.

Word forms

Common combinations

crop rotation

Farmers use crop rotation to avoid depleting the soil.

job rotation

Job rotation gives employees experience in different departments.

in rotation

The paintings are displayed in rotation.

rotation of the Earth

The rotation of the Earth takes about 24 hours.

Synonyms and how they differ

turn

A simpler word for one movement around a point; 'rotation' is more technical or formal.

spin

Often used for fast turning; 'rotation' is neutral and can be slow or fast.

cycle

Emphasizes a repeated sequence; 'rotation' can also mean a single turn.

Word family

rotate verb

To turn around a central point.

rotational adjective

Relating to rotation.

Commonly confused: a rotation or revolution?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a rotation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words