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 Glynn County Police Department and the Camden County Dive Team then tried to pull the Lincoln from the water and in doing so, spun the car around and ripped the axle off the car, video provided by Sullivan shows. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2024

The potter’s wheel represents one jump, because the axle holding it would have to be fixed to another object, while the Israeli examples were likely handheld. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024

Ground clearance to the axle is an even foot (30.5 cm) and to the frame is 17.2 inches (43.7 cm). —New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024

The robot’s wheels are mounted on movable arms attached to a pivoting axle, which allows the wheels to rotate both inward and outward, reducing friction during turns. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 Oct. 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