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

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

Jason and Rae Miller, founders of the Getaway Couple and Nomadic News, used to travel the country in a fifth wheel travel trailer measuring 42 feet long, eight feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. —Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2024

The entire industry depends on this, the jaws of the fifth wheel clamping properly around the kingpin. —Emily Gogolak, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024

Kim Kardashian will be the fifth wheel for Netflix. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1a