shaft

The word “shaft” means a long, narrow, straight part of a tool, weapon, or machine — such as a handle, pole, or rotating rod that transmits power. In plain terms, a long narrow part or passage — or, informally, to cheat someone.

“Shaft” is pronounced SHAHFT (/ˈʃæft/ in IPA).

Here is “shaft” used in a sentence: “The axe head had come loose from its wooden shaft.”

Depending on how it is used, “shaft” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “shaft” comes from Old English. From Old English sceaft, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning a pole or spear-shaft.

“Shaft” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Shaft” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, narrow, straight part of a tool, weapon, or machine — such as a handle, pole, or rotating rod that transmits power.

A shaft is the long, narrow, straight part of a tool, weapon, or machine, and can also be a rotating rod that transmits power. A pole is simply a long rounded length of material, so not every shaft is a pole, especially a mechanical drive shaft.

A shaft is typically a vertical or steeply sloped passage sunk into the ground, such as a mine shaft or elevator shaft. A tunnel runs horizontally. Orientation is the key distinction between them.

Used to mean cheating or treating someone unfairly, shaft is informal and often slang, as in "they shafted me on the deal." It should be avoided in formal writing, where words like "cheat" or "defraud" fit better.

Common collocations include "drive shaft," "elevator shaft," "mine shaft," "lift shaft," and "shaft of light." Each pairs shaft with a specific mechanical, structural, or visual meaning.