Wheel: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to refer to the entire round object that helps a vehicle move, which includes the rim, tire, and any other components. It can also refer to anything circular that can rotate or spin.

• The car's wheel got stuck in the mud.
• She spun the wheel of fortune and won a prize.

Commonly used in American English, this word refers to the rubber covering that goes around the rim and makes contact with the road. It is essential for traction and smooth driving.

• I need to check the air pressure in my car's tires.
• She had a flat tire on her way to work.

This is the metal or alloy outer edge of the wheel that holds the tire. It is commonly used when discussing the design or quality of a car's wheels.

• The rim of the wheel was scratched during the accident.
• He decided to upgrade his car with new, stylish rims.

This is the British English spelling of 'tire', used in the same context to refer to the rubber part of a wheel. It's important to use this spelling in British English contexts.

• He bought new tyres for his bike.
• The car's tyre blew out on the motorway.

Used to refer to a circular object that rotates on an axle and is often used for transportation or machinery.

• The car needs new wheels to drive smoothly
• She rode her bicycle, watching the wheels spin

Used to describe a toothed wheel that works with others to alter the relationship between the speed of an engine and the speed of a vehicle, or more generally to refer to equipment used for a particular activity.

• She shifted the car into a lower gear to climb the hill
• He packed all his fishing gear for the trip

Used to describe a wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, used to lift heavy objects.

• The workers used a pulley to hoist the heavy crate to the upper floor
• He set up a pulley system to raise the sails

Used to refer to a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear, often in the context of machinery or describing someone's role within an organization in a metaphorical sense.

• The machine stopped working because one of the cogs was missing
• He felt like just a small cog in the company

Typically refers to a circular object that enables movement, particularly in vehicles or machinery.

• He adjusted the wheel to steer the car
• The bicycle's front wheel got stuck in a pothole

Used when something turns around a central point, often employed in scientific, technical, or everyday contexts.

• Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours
• The manager asked us to rotate the tires to ensure even wear

Refers to quick, continuous turning motion, often used in both literal and figurative senses.

• The dancer can spin on one foot gracefully
• My mind started to spin with so many ideas after the meeting

Used when describing turning or rotating around a fixed point, often in a figurative sense or in mechanical contexts.

• The company's strategy had to pivot quickly during the crisis
• The robot's arm can pivot around its base