axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl 

1

a

: a pin or shaft on or with which a wheel or pair of wheels revolves

b(1)

: a fixed bar or beam with bearings at its ends on which wheels (as of a cart) revolve

(2)

: the spindle of such a beam

2

archaic : axis

Examples of axle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Rally gets standard all-wheel drive, courtesy of an electric motor on each axle. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 30 May 2024

The traction battery is that silver box above the front axle. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 28 May 2024

The automobile manufacturer said the driver's side front axle upper left control arm installed on the vehicles may have been installed with cracks. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024

The 500e has a permanent-magnet electric motor that powers the front axle and produces only 117 horsepower. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 21 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English axil, probably independent use of axil- in axeltre, axiltre axletree

Note: This word effectively replaced rare Middle English axe "axle," descended from Old English eax—see axis.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing axle

• wheel and axle

Kids Definition

axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl 

: a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves