fifth wheel
noun
1
a
: a horizontal wheel or segment of a wheel that consists of two parts rotating on each other above the fore axle of a carriage and that forms support to prevent tipping
b
: a similar coupling between tractor and trailer of a semitrailer
2
: one that is superfluous, unnecessary, or burdensome
Examples of fifth wheel in a Sentence
He felt more and more like a fifth wheel at the office.
Recent Examples on the Web
The entire industry depends on this, the jaws of the fifth wheel clamping properly around the kingpin.
—
Emily Gogolak, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
Outside, the fifth wheel boasts a grill, a second refrigerator, and ample storage.
—Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024
Many also have a chrome grill, fifth wheel and pop trunk in the back with a flying goddess ornament on the front hood.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Nov. 2024
Your average fifth wheel is likely to include full-size kitchen, a full-size dining and entertainment area, a full-size bedroom or two, and a full-size bathroom.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for fifth wheel
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Emily Gogolak, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
Outside, the fifth wheel boasts a grill, a second refrigerator, and ample storage.
—Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024
Many also have a chrome grill, fifth wheel and pop trunk in the back with a flying goddess ornament on the front hood.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Nov. 2024
Your average fifth wheel is likely to include full-size kitchen, a full-size dining and entertainment area, a full-size bedroom or two, and a full-size bathroom.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for fifth wheel
Cite this Entry
“Fifth wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fifth%20wheel. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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