axle

[ ak-suhl ]

noun

1. Machinery. the pin, bar, shaft, or the like, on which or by means of which a wheel or pair of wheels rotates.
2. the spindle at either end of an axletree.
3. an axletree.

axle

/ ˈæksəl /

noun

1. a bar or shaft on which a wheel, pair of wheels, or other rotating member revolves

Other Words From

• axled adjective
• un·axled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of axle¹

before 900; Middle English axel, Old English eaxl shoulder, crossbeam (in eaxle-gespann ); cognate with Old Frisian ax ( e ) le, Old Saxon ahsla, Old High German ahsala shoulder ( German Achsel ), Old Norse ǫxl, Latin āla (< derivative of *akslā )

Word History and Origins

Origin of axle¹

C17: from Old Norse öxull; related to German Achse; see axis ¹

Example Sentences

The prosecution alleges he was hiding underneath in a makeshift sling near the rear axle.

From BBC

“So I added an electric axle to power a fifth and sixth wheel. Then I figured out a way to extend the axles so the back four wheels were moving in unison.”

From Seattle Times

Some say that the only way to manage it would be to allow energy recovery from the front axle.

From BBC

The crash was so violent that the rear axle was ripped off the van.

From Los Angeles Times

Less costly inspections will still have someone under the car doing all the things that many sellers have already done – looking for leaks, inspecting axles and tires, and giving the car a good once-over.

From Seattle Times