axle

noun

ax·​le ˈak-səl How to pronounce axle (audio)
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
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.
In general, truck operators regularly adjust the position of trailer axles to distribute cargo weight and comply with road weight limits. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 For those seeking sports-car acceleration in their family hauler, the Excellence variant adds a secondary electric motor to the front axle. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 Its boosted flat-six engine receives a power bump, and rear-axle steering is now standard, as are larger brakes with six-piston calipers up front. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 Like other Neue Klasse vehicles, the electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) in the rear axle serves as the primary drive axle, using electricity instead of permanent magnets to power both its stator outer frame and interior spinning rotor. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for axle

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of axle was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing axle

Rhymes for axle

See All Rhymes for axle

Browse Nearby Words

axite
axle
axle bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Axle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

axle

noun
ax·​le ˈak-səl How to pronounce axle (audio)
: a pin, pole, or bar on or with which a wheel revolves

More from Merriam-Webster on axle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about axle

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