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

On top of disc brakes at the axles, many employ regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electricity that feeds back into the power grid or can be used by other trains. —Ben Jones, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026

The Dark Vader is designed by Poland's Tiny Smart House and is based on a double-axle trailer. —New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026

Heavy trucks traversing residential and rural roads that were not originally engineered to support the weight of multiple-axle big-rigs can likewise accelerate pavement damage. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Cars were submerged up to their axles. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 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