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

For the first time, that body came in two different sizes; much as had long been the case for European rivals like the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8, the new Lexus was available in both short- and long-wheelbase variants, the latter packing almost five more inches between its axles. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025

The truck entered the home up to its rear axle before coming to a stop. —Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025

Ice dancers Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing were seen with a large toy version of China’s new DF-61 missile – a huge intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) transported on an eight-axle truck and capable of carrying nuclear weapons – at the Cup of China in Chongqing on Saturday. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025

Hamilton did have his front axle ahead of Leclerc before the Turn 1 braking point. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 27 Oct. 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