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

Other mechanical features include two-axle air suspension with Alpina-specific damper and kinematic tuning, along with electromechanical anti-roll bars and stiffer rear axle bushings. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026

Images of the first design show what resembles the rear axle and wheels of an orange toy truck strapped across the turtle and secured to Moses by a harness over the top of its shell. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026

The new 480-cm (189-cm) wheelbase better distributes weight and bulk over the two axles. —C.c. Weiss march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026

Many engines, axles and transmissions for the company's vehicles are produced and imported from Germany. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 Feb. 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