axle
Axle (noun) means the rod or shaft that a wheel turns on, or that turns together with a pair of wheels. Example: “The truck snapped its rear axle after hitting the pothole.”
How to use axle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe bar that a wheel spins around.
Word forms
axles plural, axles plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The truck snapped its rear _____ after hitting the pothole.
Etymology
From Old English eaxl, originally meaning "shoulder", related to Latin axis and German Achsel ("armpit") — the idea of a joint that things pivot on.
Frequently asked questions
What does “axle” mean?
The word “axle” means the rod or shaft that a wheel turns on, or that turns together with a pair of wheels. In plain terms, the bar that a wheel spins around.
How do you pronounce “axle”?
“Axle” is pronounced AK-suhl (/ˈæksəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “axle” in a sentence?
Here is “axle” used in a sentence: “The truck snapped its rear axle after hitting the pothole.”
What part of speech is “axle”?
“Axle” is a noun.
Where does the word “axle” come from?
The word “axle” comes from Latin. From Old English eaxl, originally meaning "shoulder", related to Latin axis and German Achsel ("armpit") — the idea of a joint that things pivot on.
Is “axle” a common word?
“Axle” is an uncommon word in modern English.