axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl How to pronounce axle (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Glynn County Police Department and the Camden County Dive Team then tried to pull the Lincoln from the water and in doing so, spun the car around and ripped the axle off the car, video provided by Sullivan shows. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024 The potter’s wheel represents one jump, because the axle holding it would have to be fixed to another object, while the Israeli examples were likely handheld. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024 Ground clearance to the axle is an even foot (30.5 cm) and to the frame is 17.2 inches (43.7 cm). New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024 The robot’s wheels are mounted on movable arms attached to a pivoting axle, which allows the wheels to rotate both inward and outward, reducing friction during turns. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for axle 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of axle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near axle

Cite this Entry

“Axle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axle. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

axle

noun
ax·​le ˈak-səl How to pronounce axle (audio)
: a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves

More from Merriam-Webster on axle

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