axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl How to pronounce axle (audio)
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 standard version of the pickup, which launched in the second half of 2021, has an electric motor located on each wheel, while the new version would only have one on each axle. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2023 As with its siblings, the current-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon, the Escalade rides on an independent rear suspension that provides additional third-row legroom, which was compromised in the previous model due to it solid rear axle. Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 5 Sep. 2023 Like the plastic blades curled around a pinwheel axle, four separate wings fan off from a central great room. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 22 Aug. 2023 At the same time, the electric motor powering the rear axle gets a bump from 87 to 143 horsepower. Andrew Krok, Car and Driver, 29 Aug. 2023 The boxy styling belies the confidence afforded by the independent front suspension and five-link rear axle, a layout quite similar to the sixth-generation Bronco that Ford revived for 2021. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2023 Four-wheel steering works while driving, too, providing the IQ with better stability at high speeds, better control for towing (IQ can tow up to 8,000 pounds), and decreases the turning diameter at low speeds by turning wheels on each axle in opposing directions. Umar Shakir, The Verge, 9 Aug. 2023 Previous recalls included problems with the car’s electronic parking brake system, loose axle nuts, and a software issue with the vehicle’s rearview camera. Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 12 Aug. 2023 The scheduled rail changes come after Metro suspended its 7000-series rail cars following an investigation that revealed the wheels on some vehicles had moved outward from their axles. Heidi Pérez-Moreno, Washington Post, 15 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'axle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of axle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near axle

Cite this Entry

“Axle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axle. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

axle

noun
ax·​le ˈak-səl How to pronounce axle (audio)
: a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves

More from Merriam-Webster on axle

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