wheelbase

noun

wheel·​base ˈ(h)wēl-ˌbās How to pronounce wheelbase (audio)
: the distance between the front and rear axles of an automotive vehicle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web First, something to know about the latest Defender 130: Unlike old-school Defenders (which more closely resemble farm implements than passenger vehicles), the nomenclature does not reflect its wheelbase. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2023 Long or longer wheelbase? Nicholas Wallace, Car and Driver, 16 Mar. 2023 In addition to its sleek body, the Scarab had a long wheelbase, another common feature in modern electric vehicles. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 3 Apr. 2023 Demand for the Kia Telluride SUV is so high dealers can't keep them on their lots The EV9 is about the same length and height as the Telluride, but has a slightly longer wheelbase, meaning the back wheels are farther away from the front wheels. Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 28 Mar. 2023 This wagon casts the smallest shadow of the five and has the most diminutive wheelbase, at 104.9 inches. Don Schroeder, Car and Driver, 3 Jan. 2023 Its wheelbase is a whopping 7.5 inches longer, but the CX-90’s turning radius is actually smaller, one of several benefits from the new architecture. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 3 Apr. 2023 Minor tuning changes, such as springs that are slightly firmer in the front and softer in the back, help temper the M2's willingness to rotate on a wheelbase that's 4.4 inches shorter than big brother's. Mike Sutton, Car and Driver, 2 Apr. 2023 The short-wheelbase Suzuki hobbyhorses over these rhythmic disturbances and sets your guts a-bouncing. Kevin Smith, Car and Driver, 4 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wheelbase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wheelbase was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near wheelbase

Cite this Entry

“Wheelbase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wheelbase. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

wheelbase

noun
wheel·​base -ˌbās How to pronounce wheelbase (audio)
: the distance between the front and rear axles of a motor vehicle

More from Merriam-Webster on wheelbase

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!