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

The 2021 concept e-trike featured a single wheel up front and two to the rear, with the latter connected to the frame via a pivoting axle. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

But the gearbox sending all that grunt to the rear axle will be as much of a selling point for some street truck buffs out there. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025

According to the recall report, the axle stabilizer bracket bolts may crack and break, allowing the bracket to detach from the vehicle, which can create a road hazard for other vehicles and increases the risk of a crash. —James Powel, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

The truck entered the home up to its rear axle before coming to a stop. —Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025

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