noun
crankshaft
KRANK-shaft
Crankshaft (noun) means a rotating shaft with parts that stick out sideways, which either drives or is driven by a crank. Example: “The mechanic replaced the worn crankshaft in the old engine.”
noun
1
technical A rotating shaft with parts that stick out sideways, which either drives or is driven by a crank.
"The mechanic replaced the worn crankshaft in the old engine."
"A crankshaft turns the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotation."
"Engineers balance the crankshaft carefully to reduce vibration."
How to use crankshaft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt is the turning shaft inside an engine that changes piston movement into rotation.
When to use it
This is a mechanical engineering term used mainly around engines and machinery.
Memory tip
Remember it is crank plus shaft, which describes exactly what the part is, a shaft turned by cranks.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
camshaft
Common pairings
engine crankshaft
crankshaft bearing
replace the crankshaft
crankshaft position sensor
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like crankshaft.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The mechanic replaced the worn _____ in the old engine.
Etymology
The word is formed by joining crank and shaft, describing a shaft that works together with a crank.
Frequently asked questions
What does a crankshaft do?
It is a rotating shaft with offset parts that converts the back-and-forth motion of pistons into a turning motion, or the reverse.
Where is the crankshaft in an engine?
It sits within the lower part of the engine block and connects to the pistons through connecting rods.
What is related to camshaft?
The camshaft is a separate but related part; the crankshaft and camshaft work together in an engine, and each has its own job.
What is the meaning of crankshaft?
"crankshaft" (noun) means a rotating shaft with parts that stick out sideways, which either drives or is driven by a crank.
