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Added 9 October 2026

wheel

/ˈwiːl/ noun

In Latin: rota Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about wheel at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines).
A handwheel that is used for steering.
Forces that provide energy and direction.
the wheels of government began to turn

verb

Change directions as if revolving on a pivot.
They wheeled their horses around and left
Wheel somebody or something.
Move along on or as if on wheels or a wheeled vehicle.
The President's convoy rolled past the crowds

Origin

From Middle English whel, from Old English hwēol, from Proto-West Germanic *hwehwl, from Proto-Germanic *hwehwlą, *hweulō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷekʷlóm, *kʷékʷlos, *kʷékʷléh₂, reduplication of *kʷel- (“to turn”) and a suffix (literally "(the thing that) turns and turns").

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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