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

Designed by Poland's Mini Domy, the Mini House 300 x 600 is based on a double-axle trailer and features an attractive exterior finished in metal, with timber accenting. — New Atlas, 23 June 2026

His team’s 911 Turbo S mixes all-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering to add some extra agility, but the electric front axle on the Corvette gives it a particular advantage in a few areas, including traction control. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026

They’re attached to the axle and are a part of your tire’s mounting hub. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Fred Antoon adapted the truck axle. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 June 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