axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl 

1

a

: a pin or shaft on or with which a wheel or pair of wheels revolves

b(1)

: a fixed bar or beam with bearings at its ends on which wheels (as of a cart) revolve

(2)

: the spindle of such a beam

2

archaic : axis

Examples of axle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chassis modifications include a special swingarm with custom rear-axle adjusters, solid rear struts and a wheelie bar with side panels. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026

Despite being more than 20 percent smaller than the 22RB, the company’s latest single-axle trailer still has room for all the essentials, including a kitchenette, bathroom, and two sleeping areas. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 July 2026

And nobody is doing an electric solid rear axle in mass like that yet, even though such things exist in concept. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026

Trailer manufacturers Kässbohrer and Krone have adopted the platform, as has BPW—the same running gear specialist co-developing the Nivalis axle. — IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English axil, probably independent use of axil- in axeltre, axiltre axletree

Note: This word effectively replaced rare Middle English axe "axle," descended from Old English eax—see axis.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing axle

• wheel and axle

Rhymes for axle

• docetaxel
• paclitaxel
• transaxle

Kids Definition

axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl 

: a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves