wheel

[wiːl]

wheel Definition

  • 1a circular object that revolves on an axle and forms part of a machine or vehicle
  • 2a steering wheel or handlebar
  • 3a thing resembling a wheel in form or function, in particular a cheese made in the form of a disk

Using wheel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wheel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The wheels of the car were spinning.

  • Example

    He was holding the wheel of the ship.

  • Example

    The wheel of fortune is a popular game show.

  • Example

    The cheese was shaped like a wheel.

wheel Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wheel

Phrases with wheel

  • to waste time trying to create something that has already been done before

    Example

    There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Just follow the instructions.

  • to work hard and make a great effort to achieve something

    Example

    If we all put our shoulders to the wheel, we can finish this project on time.

  • a cog in the wheel

    a person or thing that is necessary but of little importance in a larger operation or organization

    Example

    I may be just a cog in the wheel, but I still feel like I'm making a difference.

Origins of wheel

Old English 'hwēol', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'wiel' and German 'Rad', from an Indo-European root shared by Sanskrit 'cakra', Greek 'kuklos', and Latin 'rota'

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Summary: wheel in Brief

A 'wheel' [wiːl] is a circular object that rotates on an axis and is part of a machine or vehicle. It can also refer to a steering wheel or handlebar, or a disk-shaped object such as a cheese. Phrases like 'reinvent the wheel' and 'put your shoulder to the wheel' are idiomatic expressions that mean wasting time or working hard, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?