# Axel

/ˈæksəɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/axel
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a difficult jump in figure skating where the skater takes off from one foot and turns in the air. It is the only jump that starts while moving forward.

For teachers: an edge jump in figure skating characterized by a forward take-off and an extra half-rotation in the air. Named after its creator, Axel Paulsen.

## Examples

- She landed a perfect double axel during her routine.
- The young skater practiced her triple axel for months before finally landing it in competition.
- While many skaters can perform a double axel, the triple version remains a significant technical barrier that separates elite competitors from the rest of the field.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the car's axel" but "the car's axle" — Learners often confuse the skating jump 'axel' with the mechanical rod 'axle' found in vehicles.

## Usage notes

- Commonly modified by 'double' or 'triple' to indicate the number of rotations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.