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Wheels Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wheels

[wiːlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vehicle

Circular objects that rotate on an axle and are used for transportation.

Synonyms

rims, tires, tyres.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wheels

Refers to the entire assembly that includes the wheel and the tire. Commonly used in everyday conversation and in contexts where people might be talking about vehicles or anything that moves on wheels.

  • I just bought a new set of wheels for my car.
  • His skateboard has smooth wheels for better performance.
tires

Refers to the rubber outer part of the wheel that makes contact with the road. Commonly used in discussions about vehicle maintenance, safety, and performance.

  • I need to replace my tires; they are getting pretty worn out.
  • Good tires are essential for safe driving.
rims

Specifically refers to the metal part of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. Often used in contexts related to the aesthetics or customization of vehicles.

  • He got new chrome rims for his birthday.
  • Those rims make the car look really sleek.
tyres

Same as 'tires', but this is the British English spelling. Used in the same contexts as 'tires', especially in the UK and other countries that use British English.

  • The garage recommended checking the pressure in all four tyres.
  • She bought winter tyres for better grip in the snow.

Examples of usage

  • The car had four wheels.
  • The bicycle wheels were made of aluminum.
  • The truck's wheels got stuck in the mud.
  • He tightened the bolts on the wheels of the skateboard.
  • The horse-drawn carriage had wooden wheels.
Context #2 | Noun

gambling

A rotating device marked with numbers and colors used in games of chance.

Synonyms

disc, spinner, turntable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wheels

Commonly used when referring to the circular objects that enable vehicles to move, or informally when talking about a vehicle itself.

  • His new car has stylish wheels
  • Do you want to ride in my new wheels?
spinner

Often used for objects that spin rapidly, such as a toy (fidget spinner) or decorative items on cars. The context could be informal or playful.

  • He bought a glowing fidget spinner
  • The car has chrome spinners on its wheels
disc

Typically refers to flat, circular objects like CDs, DVDs, or the brakes on a vehicle.

  • I bought a new game disc
  • The car needs new brake discs
turntable

Best used when talking about a rotating platform, especially in the context of playing vinyl records or certain industrial machinery.

  • He placed the vinyl record on the turntable
  • The potter shaped the clay on the turntable

Examples of usage

  • She spun the wheel in the casino.
  • The contestant won a prize by spinning the game show wheel.
  • The roulette wheel landed on black.
  • He placed a bet on number 7 on the wheel.
  • The carnival wheel had different prizes on it.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To travel or move in a vehicle.

Synonyms

drive, move, roll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wheels

Refers to the circular components of a vehicle that rotate and enable it to move. It is also used colloquially to refer to a car.

  • My wheels need to be replaced soon
  • I'm getting a new pair of wheels next week
roll

Describes the act of something turning over itself, often used for objects with wheels or rounded shapes. It can also indicate initiating an action or process.

  • The ball will roll down the hill
  • Let's roll out the new project this week
drive

Describes the action of controlling and operating a vehicle. It can also metaphorically describe motivation or initiative.

  • I'm learning how to drive
  • Her drive to succeed is incredible
move

A general term indicating any change of position or location. It does not specifically relate to vehicles but can include them.

  • We need to move the car out of the driveway
  • Can you help me move this table?

Examples of usage

  • We wheeled down the highway in the convertible.
  • The children wheeled around the park on their scooters.
  • The bus wheeled through the city streets.
  • She wheeled her suitcase through the airport.
  • He wheeled the shopping cart through the grocery store.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Early wheels were made from solid wood, evolving into spokes and rims for added strength and efficiency.
  • In ancient times, wheels were essential not just for transportation, but also for pottery and water-lifting devices.

Technology

  • The industrial revolution greatly advanced wheel design, introducing iron and steel for enhanced durability.
  • Modern wheels are designed for a variety of purposes, from racing cars to heavy-duty trucks, demonstrating innovation in material science.

Cultural Impact

  • Wheels are a universal symbol of progress and engineering, signifying the movement and advancement of societies.
  • In many cultures, the wheel has appeared in artwork and folklore as a representation of the cycle of life.

Science

  • Wheels play a crucial role in physics, demonstrating concepts of rotation, friction, and motion dynamics.
  • The functionality of wheels is often enhanced through the principles of aerodynamics and material engineering.

Origin of 'wheels'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wheel' comes from the Old English word 'hweol', which has roots in Proto-Germanic and means 'to turn'.
  • Historically, wheels were one of humanity's most important inventions, first appearing around 3500 BC in Mesopotamia.

The word 'wheels' originated from the Old English word 'hwēol' which referred to a circular object that rotated on an axle. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to circular objects used for transportation or games of chance. The concept of wheels has been integral to human civilization, revolutionizing modes of transportation and enabling advancements in technology and industry.

See also: wheel.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,094, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.