Meaning & use
drive shaft
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A rotating rod that transmits power from an engine or motor to the wheels or other parts of a machine, especially in vehicles.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with a/an or in the plural.
Patterns
- drive shaft of something
- drive shaft to something
The mechanic replaced the broken drive shaft.
The drive shaft connects the transmission to the rear axle.
A damaged drive shaft can cause serious vibration.
Word forms
| plural | drive shafts |
|---|
Common combinations
- front drive shaft
- The front drive shaft needs to be lubricated regularly.
- rear drive shaft
- He inspected the rear drive shaft for wear.
- drive shaft assembly
- The drive shaft assembly was completely replaced.
- drive shaft bearing
- A noisy drive shaft bearing should be checked.
Synonyms and how they differ
- propeller shaft
- Common in British English and for boats; drive shaft is more general.
- prop shaft
- Informal shortening of propeller shaft.
Word family
- driveshaft noun
- Alternative spelling without a space.
Commonly confused: drive shaft or drive train?
drive shaft vs drive train
Drive train refers to the whole system that delivers power, including the drive shaft, gears, and axles.
Practice
What is the main function of a drive shaft in a car?
Choose one answer.
A drive shaft transmits rotational power from the engine or transmission to the wheels. The other options describe different parts or systems.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “drive shaft”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.