Steering vs. Rudder — What's the Difference?

Steering is a system of components, linkages, etc. that allows a vehicle to follow a desired course.

A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft, or other conveyance that moves through a fluid medium (generally air or water). On an aircraft the rudder is used primarily to counter adverse yaw and p-factor and is not the primary control used to turn the airplane.

To guide (a vessel or vehicle), especially by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or wheel

A vertically hinged plate of metal, fiberglass, or wood mounted at the stern of a ship or boat for directing its course.

To set and follow (a course)

A similar structure at the tail of an aircraft, used for effecting horizontal changes in course.

To direct the course of

A controlling agent or influence over direction; a guide.

To advise or direct (a person) toward a place or course of action

(nautical) An underwater vane used to steer a vessel. The rudder is controlled by means of a wheel, tiller or other apparatus (modern vessels can be controlled even with a joystick or an autopilot).

To guide a vessel or vehicle.

(aeronautics) A control surface on the vertical stabilizer of a fixed-wing aircraft or an autogyro. On some craft, the entire vertical stabilizer comprises the rudder. The rudder is controlled by foot-operated control pedals.

To follow or move in a set course.

A riddle or sieve.

To admit of being steered or guided

(figurative) That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.

A piece of advice

A riddle or sieve.

Present participle of steer

The mechanical appliance by means of which a vessel is guided or steered when in motion. It is a broad and flat blade made of wood or iron, with a long shank, and is fastened in an upright position, usually by one edge, to the sternpost of the vessel in such a way that it can be turned from side to side in the water by means of a tiller, wheel, or other attachment.

Equipment used to control direction; something used to steer.

Fig.: That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.

The act of guiding or showing the way

In an aircraft, a surface the function of which is to exert a turning moment about an axis of the craft.

The act of setting and holding a course;

A hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes

The act of steering a ship

(nautical) steering mechanism consisting of a hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern of a vessel