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 Ambassador Bridge, effective March 15, set tolls of $15 to $20 per axle. — Bill Koenig, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Keep in mind two of the three motors are fitted at the rear axle, capable of rotating at up to 30,000 rpm. — New Atlas, 25 July 2026

By the time a vehicle reaches the Green tier at 200,000 to 250,000 miles, protection is limited to core components, such as the engine, transmission and drive axle. — Emily Mercer, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Fred had an old, thirty-foot, wooden Chris-Craft with a broken axle. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 July 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