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

In the case of the Vanquish, that starts with a chassis that is a stunning 75 percent stiffer in lateral rigidity at the front axle, when compared to the DBS. —Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

And instead of using traditional front and rear axles, the wheels are mechanically connected in pairs on each side. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024

Easy-Way The whole shebang is clamped onto the stroller's frame above the rear axle, then angled down and locked in place so that the two rollers press down against the tops of the two rear wheels. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024

The brawny mill is mated to a tandem middle axle gearbox that routes power to all six wheels. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 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