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

That electrified front axle is about more than straight-line heroics. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 19 June 2025

There's also more front camber and stiffer front axles. —ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025

Before the Freightliner could come to a stop, the rear axle of the trailer ran over the man, according to the release. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2025

Even being practical, she’s often stuck up to the axle on her way to something edible. —A.o. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 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