1. a flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship, used for steering
Usage: nautical
2. a vertical control surface at the rear of an aircraft used for steering
Usage: aviation
3. something that guides or controls direction or course of action
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The captain turned the rudder to steer the ship away from the rocks.
• Without a working rudder, the boat drifted helplessly in the current.
• The pilot used the rudder pedals to control the aircraft’s direction.
• A damaged rudder made landing the plane extremely difficult.
• Education serves as a rudder for navigating life’s challenges.
• Strong moral principles acted as her rudder through difficult times.