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 rotor uses two neodymium magnets mounted opposite each other across an axle. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026

Once the neodymium is turned into magnets, they are placed around a core inside of a motor and connected to an axle. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

The home is based on a double-axle trailer but is shown here semi-permanently installed with a deck area that adds outdoor seating space and even a small jacuzzi. —New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026

That bill proposes a pilot program that would allow states to increase max tractor-trailer weights from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds on six-axle combinations. —Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 4 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