1
: the use of memory usually with little intelligence
learn by rote
2
: mechanical or unthinking routine or repetition
a joyless sense of order, rote, and commercial hustle—
L. L. King
L. L. King
: the noise of surf on the shore
Examples of rote in a Sentence
Noun (1)
learned the rote for the exercise warm-up but not the reasoning behind it
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
However, this centuries old pilgrimage trek morphed repeatedly with invasions, occupations and threats, and there are no less than seven official Camino rotes today, some of which include portions of France and/or Portugal.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
And yet, far too often, the role is constrained to compliance, reporting, and the rote maintenance of financial order.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rote
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.
Noun
Unlike in a million rote and gritty thrillers of yore, there is no scarcity of love in this picture.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
However, this centuries old pilgrimage trek morphed repeatedly with invasions, occupations and threats, and there are no less than seven official Camino rotes today, some of which include portions of France and/or Portugal.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
Stewart backed their rote enthusiasm with white-boy disco-dance moves and gesticulations modeled after Colbert’s clowning on his own show.
—Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
And yet, far too often, the role is constrained to compliance, reporting, and the rote maintenance of financial order.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rote
Cite this Entry
“Rote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rote. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rote
1 of 2 noun1
: the use of memory usually without thinking about it
learn by rote
repeat something by rote
2
: something done time after time in an automatic way or without thinking
rote
2 of 2 adjective1
: done or learned by rote
rote learning of multiplication tables
a rote phrase
2
: done or carried out without engaging the mind or feelings
rote duties
ask a rote question
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share