A common type of electric fan — an oscillating fan features a "fan head" with rotating blades (typically enclosed in a circular plastic or metal "cage"), which slowly rotates side to side on a base as it pushes air.

Oscillating electric fans may be mounted on a long pole and stand for sitting on a floor, or be small units with the fan head directly mounted on a base intended for sitting on a desk or table.

Characters are frequently depicted using oscillating fans to cool off.

See Also

• electric fan
• bladeless fan
• box fan
• ceiling fan
• handheld electric fan