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 truck has also been equipped with a new exhaust system, had its suspension upgraded with portal axles, and its ride height boosted to a ridiculous 18.5 inches. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 May 2025

Good luck trying to hunt a buffalo with your extra axle. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025

Polestar has managed to push the front and rear axles well apart since there’s no engine in the front, so there’s heaps of legroom for everyone. —Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

All that power is sent to the rear axle via a seven-speed PDK gearbox and is enough to push the car from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and to a top speed of 194 mph. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for axle

• docetaxel
• paclitaxel
• transaxle

Kids Definition

axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl 

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