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
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 
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.
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
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 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share