1
capitalized [Medieval Latin, from Latin] : a tribunal of the papal curia exercising jurisdiction especially in matrimonial cases appealed from diocesan courts
2
chiefly British
a
: a fixed order of rotation (as of persons or duties)
b
: a roll or list of persons : roster

Examples of rota in a Sentence

a rota of housekeeping duties
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Celine banner is prominent as the players train (Samer Barbary/Beirut Football Academy) Days are divided into a rota, Abbas, Saana and her elder sister Carole taking shifts to ensure Celine is never alone (Celine’s elder brother works in Africa). Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 The par-3 eighth hole, named Postage Stamp, is the shortest par 3 in the Open Championship rota at just 123 yards. Dennis Esser, The Athletic, 16 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, wheel — more at roll

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rota was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rota.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rota. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Geographical Definition

Rota

geographical name

1
island in the western Pacific Ocean at the southern end of the Mariana Islands area 35 square miles (91 square kilometers)
2
town and port on the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Spain population 29,136

Biographical Definition

Rota

biographical name

Nino 1911–1979 Italian composer

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