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 rules say if the driver on the inside has his front axle ahead of the car outside him at the apex of the corner, he does not need to give his rival any room on the exit.

From BBC

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

From BBC

It states the driver on the outside in this sort of situation must "have the front axle at least alongside the front axle of the other car at the apex of the corner and to the exit" to be entitled to be afforded room.

From BBC

This might be used to drive an axle and turn the wheels of an electric car, for example.

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