crankshaft

noun

crank·​shaft ˈkraŋk-ˌshaft 

1

: a shaft driven by or driving a crank

2

: a shaft consisting of a series of cranks and crankpins to which the connecting rods of an engine are attached

Examples of crankshaft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Importantly, the latter car came with a more robust 2.5-liter engine using a seven-bearing crankshaft instead of one with only four main bearings. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 9 May 2025

The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure, according to the recall notice. —James Powel, USA Today, 6 May 2025

According to a report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect is related to the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components and can lead to engine damage and engine failure. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 1 May 2025

The connecting rod and crankshaft engine components could have manufacturing defects, which may cause engine failure. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for crankshaft

• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft
• schoolcraft
• spacecraft
• stagecraft
• statecraft
• updraft

Kids Definition

crankshaft

noun

crank·​shaft -ˌshaft 

: a shaft turning or driven by a crank or made up of a series of cranks