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

The crash was so violent that the rear axle was ripped off the van. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Back to top Those brushes are what make the unit longer, axially, in the direction of the axle? Scharrer: Exactly. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl 

: a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves