camshaft

noun

cam·​shaft ˈkam-ˌshaft How to pronounce camshaft (audio)
: a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part

Examples of camshaft 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.
Among the modifications performed by Koenig were upgraded camshafts, pistons, and exhaust, which added 110 brake horsepower to the output of the V-12. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2025 That’s not all there is to it – the company has also updated the intake ports, camshaft profiles, valve springs, and pistons, while additionally incorporating a stronger flywheel. New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025 Still, it was modified for speed with larger throttle bodies, ported cylinder heads, two-into-two exhaust, race camshafts, and a higher compression ratio. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025 The Jaguar has a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine producing 265 horsepower and a four-speed manual transmission. James Raia, Mercury News, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for camshaft

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of camshaft was in 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Camshaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camshaft. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

camshaft

noun
cam·​shaft ˈkam-ˌshaft How to pronounce camshaft (audio)
: a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms a part

More from Merriam-Webster on camshaft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!