Search Dictionary
Definition of crankshaft

crankshaft

/ˈkræŋk.ʃæft/
crank · shaft
Plural:crankshafts
JUMP TO:

crankshaft Lexical Profile

crankshaft Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mechanical shaft driven by or driving a crank, commonly used in internal combustion engines to convert the reciprocating linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.

Example

"The mechanic discovered that the engine failure was caused by a cracked crankshaft."

• Nearby Words

crankhandle
crankily
crankiness
crankshaft
cranky
cranny
crap

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 19th century: a compound of 'crank' and 'shaft', describing the series of crankpins and webs positioned along a rotating axle.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crankshaft. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crankshaft
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.