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.
Both front and rear axles feature 48 V active anti-roll bars that can react in a third of a second, applying up to 960 lb-ft (1,300 Nm) of reaction torque to keep the car flat. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Contributing factors to that could be a low number of axles, like with a solo locomotive, contaminants on the rails, or rust and other conditions that cause poor wheel-to-rail connections, according to the bulletin. — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The list of technology is vast but highlights include standard active rear-wheel steering, which allows the rear axle to pivot up to 5 degrees. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 The derailment was caused by an overheated journal box that led to an axle breaking as the train passed through the junction. — USA Today, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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