Word
wheelbase
Phoneticswheel·base, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhwiɫˌbeɪs/
UK/wˈiːlbeɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the distance between the front and back wheels of a car or other vehicle. A longer wheelbase usually means more room inside.
n. the distance between the centres of the front and rear axles of a wheeled vehicle, measured along its length. Longer measurements generally correlate with greater interior space and straight-line stability.
Examples
“This car has a long wheelbase for extra legroom.”
“The salesman explained that the SUV's longer wheelbase gives passengers more rear-seat space on long trips.”
“Despite sharing the same body length, the two models differ in wheelbase, with the extended version offering greater high-speed stability at the cost of a wider turning circle.”
Examples
simple
“This car has a long wheelbase for extra legroom.”
contextual
“The salesman explained that the SUV's longer wheelbase gives passengers more rear-seat space on long trips.”
complex
“Despite sharing the same body length, the two models differ in wheelbase, with the extended version offering greater high-speed stability at the cost of a wider turning circle.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “wheelbase” in context.
Verb
01. build on wheelbase
“The electric SUV is built on a long wheelbase for maximum battery space.”
verb + prep + noun
02. extend wheelbase
“Engineers extended the wheelbase to create more cabin space for passengers.”
verb + noun
03. ride on wheelbase
“The coupe rides on a short wheelbase, which sharpens cornering response.”
verb + prep + noun
04. share wheelbase
“The new saloon shares its wheelbase with the estate version.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. generous wheelbase
“The SUV offers a generous wheelbase that comfortably seats seven adults.”
adj + noun
06. identical wheelbase
“Both models share an identical wheelbase despite their different body styles.”
adj + noun
07. long wheelbase
“The sedan's long wheelbase provides generous rear legroom on motorway journeys.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. difference in wheelbase
“The difference in wheelbase explains the estate's larger load capacity.”
noun + prep + noun
09. inch of wheelbase
“Every extra inch of wheelbase translates into noticeably more interior comfort.”
noun + prep + noun
10. increase in wheelbase
“The increase in wheelbase adds valuable knee room for rear passengers.”
noun + prep + noun
11. built on the same wheelbase
“Both SUVs are built on the same wheelbase but have different styling.”
12. longer wheelbase means more legroom
“A longer wheelbase means more legroom in the rear seats.”
Real-World Examples
“A nearly five-inch increase in wheelbase enhances rear legroom, while a 3.2 cubic-foot frunk can accommodate a couple of backpacks.” “Tesla has submitted documentation for a new six-seat Model Y L in China, featuring a wheelbase measuring 3,040 mm, as revealed in information released on the website of the Chinese industry ministry on Wednesday.” “At 200.8 inches long and 77.3 inches tall, the R1S is about the same size as a new Land Rover Defender 110 and a smidge smaller than a Chevy Tahoe; its 121.1-inch wheelbase is 14.7 inches less than the R1T pickup, and the R1S is 16.3 inches shorter overall.” “It has a 116.5-inch wheelbase, and is 196 inches long (equivalent to the BMW 5 Series), but it handles its girth with grace on winding stretches of pastoral roads.” Etymology
From wheel + base.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/wheelbase