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 next day, the FBI dug up the rear axle of that truck, which eventually led them to Timothy McVeigh, an extreme nationalist angered by the Waco siege two years earlier. —Laurel Morales, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025

Porsche also said that gear ratios were shorter, sending more power to the rear axle. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2025

The gearbox contains one electric motor while the other two are attached to the front axle, meaning the Valhalla will sprint from 0-to-62mph in 2.5 seconds and barrel onto 217 mph. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Twin electric motors deliver 300 hp and 354 pound-feet of torque to the front and rear axles. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 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