# wheel

/ˈhwiɫ/ (US) · /wˈiːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wheel
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. circular object for movement

noun · CEFR A2

a round object that turns around a center point to help a vehicle move or a machine work.

For teachers: a circular component that rotates on an axle, used to facilitate movement or to transmit power in machinery.

- The bicycle has two wheels made of metal and rubber.
- The heavy cart was difficult to move because one of its wooden wheels had become stuck in the deep mud.

### 2. steering wheel

noun · CEFR B1

the round handle you use to steer a car or a ship.

For teachers: the steering wheel of a vehicle or the helm of a ship, used to control direction.

- Keep both hands on the wheel while you are driving.
- The captain stood at the wheel, navigating the vessel through the narrow channel as the storm approached.

### 3. an influential person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

an important or powerful person in an organization.

For teachers: an individual possessing significant power or influence within a specific hierarchy or social circle.

- His uncle is a big wheel in the local government.
- She managed to secure the contract by networking with the big wheels of the tech industry at the annual conference.

### 4. a round of cheese

noun · CEFR B2

a large, round block of cheese.

For teachers: a whole, uncut portion of cheese formed into a cylindrical shape.

- The shop sells a whole wheel of Parmesan cheese for a high price.
- The deli displayed a massive wheel of aged cheddar on the counter to attract customers.

### 5. to push something on wheels

verb · CEFR B1

to move someone or something that is sitting on wheels.

For teachers: to transport a person or object using a wheeled vehicle or device, such as a trolley or wheelchair.

- The nurse will wheel the patient into the operating room.
- The waiters began to wheel the dessert trolleys through the dining room, offering a variety of cakes to the guests.

### 6. to turn or pivot

verb · CEFR B2

to turn around quickly or move in a circle.

For teachers: to turn or pivot suddenly on the spot, or to move in a circular path.

- The birds began to wheel in the sky above the field.
- He wheeled around to face his accuser, his expression shifting from surprise to anger in an instant.

## Examples

- The front wheel of my bicycle is flat.
- The driver gripped the wheel tightly as the car began to slide on the icy road.
- The invention of the wheel is frequently cited as a pivotal moment in human history, enabling the transport of heavy goods across vast distances with significantly reduced friction.

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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.