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

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

For example, since both axles have the same degrees of steering, the Zoox robotaxi can crab walk far more effectively than the GM Hummer EV performing its party trick. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026

Designed by Vagabond Haven, the Smile is based on a double-axle trailer, though its wheels are rated only for small on-site movements and the home must be delivered by truck. —Adam Williams april 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026

Toyota pulled that off by simplifying the structure and reducing the number of axles. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 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