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
And there’s always a Maverick fifth wheel, designed to make the regulars look cool.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
Trucks, trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes also covered.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 13 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for fifth wheel
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Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
Trucks, trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes also covered.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 13 June 2025
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
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 14 Jul. 2025.
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