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

There are loads of new aftermarket wheel options, as well as the ability to place different rims on the front and rear axles. —Adam Ismail, The Drive, 14 May 2026

And because there can only be an electric motor at the rear axle, not the front—supposedly out of fear that new entrant Audi would have too much of an advantage—cars could regenerate just a fraction of the total energy possible under braking. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026

Designed by Simplify Further Tiny Homes, the Rasa is based on a double-axle trailer and has a length of 20 ft (6 m). —Adam Williams may 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026

Spanning more than 109 acres, a landscape which is now home to the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, the original factory had 3,500 workers on payroll and annual production required 100 million feet of lumber and 150,000 tons of iron for wheels, axles, plates, bars and structural material. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

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