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 ground vehicle, known as the mothership, features a three-axle, six-wheel configuration with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026

Other than some axle seal leak issues, there are no widespread technical bulletins related to transfer case failures. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

As the name implies, the aftermarket parts bolt up behind the rear axle, leaving everything ahead of the axle stock. — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 7 Nov. 2026

The most potent version of Lucid’s impressive debut model is the Air Sapphire, which features a tri-motor powertrain—one unit is positioned up front, the other two on the rear axle—that produces a hypercar-like 1,234 horses. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 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