What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
axle
Example
The car's axle broke, causing the wheels to stop turning. [axle: noun]
Example
He greased the axle to ensure smooth rotation of the bicycle wheels. [axle: verb]
spindle
Example
She carefully threaded the yarn onto the spindle to begin spinning. [spindle: noun]
Example
The machine uses a spindle to hold and rotate the workpiece during machining. [spindle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Axle is more commonly used than spindle in everyday language, especially in the context of vehicles. Axle is a widely recognized term, while spindle is less common and often associated with specific industries or hobbies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between axle and spindle?
Both axle and spindle are generally considered formal terms due to their technical nature. However, axle is more commonly used in everyday conversations and is therefore more versatile in terms of formality.
