fifth wheel

noun

1
a
: a horizontal wheel or segment of a wheel that consists of two parts rotating on each other above the fore axle of a carriage and that forms support to prevent tipping
b
: a similar coupling between tractor and trailer of a semitrailer
2
: one that is superfluous, unnecessary, or burdensome

Examples of fifth wheel in a Sentence

He felt more and more like a fifth wheel at the office.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Outside, the fifth wheel boasts a grill, a second refrigerator, and ample storage. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024 Many also have a chrome grill, fifth wheel and pop trunk in the back with a flying goddess ornament on the front hood. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Nov. 2024 Your average fifth wheel is likely to include full-size kitchen, a full-size dining and entertainment area, a full-size bedroom or two, and a full-size bathroom. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 June 2024 Jason and Rae Miller, founders of the Getaway Couple and Nomadic News, used to travel the country in a fifth wheel travel trailer measuring 42 feet long, eight feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fifth wheel 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fifth wheel was circa 1874

Dictionary Entries Near fifth wheel

Cite this Entry

“Fifth wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fifth%20wheel. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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