Rudder
/ˈrʌdər/
nounB1
Definition
A rudder is a flat, movable part attached to the back of a boat, ship, or airplane that helps control its direction. By moving the rudder left or right, the pilot or captain can steer the vehicle to go where they want.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
A flat piece used to steer boats or ships
- •The captain turned the rudder to the right to change course.
- •The rudder helps keep the boat moving straight in the water.
- •Without a working rudder, the ship cannot easily change direction.
A similar control part on airplanes
- •The pilot used the rudder to help turn the plane during landing.
- •Airplane rudders control the left and right movement in the air.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "rudder" like "steering wheel," but for boats or planes instead of cars.
- ✓Picture a small flat board at the back of a boat moving side to side to turn the boat in water.
- ✓It's the feeling of controlling where you go, like when you turn your bike handlebars to change direction.
- ✓Sounds like "rudder" → imagine a "rudder" as a "rudder" paddle pushing water to steer.
- ✓Think of the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," where sailors use the rudder to steer their ship through the sea.
- ✓NOT like "oar" or "paddle" (which push the water to move the boat forward), the rudder only helps to turn or steer.
- ✓NOT like "wheel" (used in cars), the rudder is a flat part moved by handles or pedals.
- ✓NOT like "anchor" (which stops a boat), the rudder helps move and change direction.
Try Other Words
- •Steering device: a general term for parts that control direction (Use when you want a broad or technical word)
- •Helm: the place or equipment used to steer a ship (Use when talking about the whole steering system or position)
- •Fin: a fixed part on boats or planes (Use when talking about parts that help balance, not steer)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, "rudder" is a whole word)
- •Etymology: From Old English "roðer," related to rowing or steering
- •Historical development: Originally meant a steering oar used on boats before the modern rudder was invented
- •Modern usage: Means the flat part used to steer boats, ships, and airplanes today
Reflect & Connect
•How important do you think the rudder is for safe travel on water and in the air?
•Can you think of other machines or vehicles that need a rudder or similar part to steer?
Fill in the blanks
1.The boat changed direction because the captain moved the rudder to the ___.
2.Without a rudder, it is very hard to ___ a ship or airplane properly.
3.The rudder works differently from an oar because it only helps to ___, not to move forward.
4.Pilots use the rudder to help turn the plane, especially during ___.
5.The rudder is usually found at the ___ of a boat or airplane.
6.When the rudder is turned left, the vehicle will usually turn ___.
7.If the rudder is broken, the ship will have trouble ___ a straight course.