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 launch was delayed because the car could initially travel only backward; an engineer had fitted the pinion gear on the rear axle the wrong way around. —Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

For decades, automotive certification required that mechanical link to the front axle. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026

It's based on a triple-axle trailer and clad in horizontal lap siding, with cedar accenting. —Adam Williams april 01, New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2026

The concept car has a solid rear axle and independent front suspension; the 37-inch M/Ts are wrapped around 18-inch wheels. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 1 Apr. 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