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

However, the torque split on the 4S models, like all Porsches with a traction-management (PTM) system, is rear-biased by default but can deliver additional power to the front axle when required. —New Atlas, 7 July 2025

Either way, thanks to mechanical advantage, this narrowing of the axle region made the carts easier to push. —Kai James, JSTOR Daily, 3 July 2025

These prototypes can be hybrids, with the electric motor on the front axle: Ferrari, Peugeot, and Toyota have all taken this route. —ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025

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