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 rear axle stretches 0.3 inches wider, and the car hunkers 1.2 inches lower. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2025

The concept also has front and rear illuminated badging, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the axles have been pushed to the corners to maximize interior space. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

No axle can have more than five tons on unpaved roads, or more than 10 tons on paved roads. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

The crossover could have a front axle half shaft that may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power − according to the NHTSA. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 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