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

The engine alone weighs 20 pounds less, thanks to extensive work including replacing the crankshaft with a new one that’s nearly five pounds lighter. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026

Of note, the original crankshaft, which was previously missing from the car, has been found and now comes with the vehicle, though not installed. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 3 June 2026

The engine uses two separate crankshafts, with a three-cylinder unit at the front and a two-cylinder unit behind it, working together as a single powertrain. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025

The potential engine failure is caused by the seizure of the #5 metal crankshaft bushing, according to the recall report. — James Powel, USA Today, 1 Dec. 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