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Definition of axel

axel

/ˈæk.səl/
ax · el
Plural:axels
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axel Lexical Profile

axel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A figure skating jump with a forward takeoff from the outside edge of one skate, followed by one and a half (or more) rotations in the air and a backward landing on the outside edge of the opposite skate.

Example

"She landed a flawless triple axel during her championship free skate program."

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'axel' (a figure skating jump) with its homophone 'axle' (a rod or spindle on which a wheel rotates).

• Rhymes for axel

• Nearby Words

awry
awu
ax
axel
axeman
axial
axiom

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as an eponym after the Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen (1855–1938), who first performed the jump in competition at Vienna in 1882.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Axel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/axel
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