# wheelbase

/ˈhwiɫˌbeɪs/ (US) · /wˈiːlbeɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wheelbase
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

the distance between the front and back wheels of a car or other vehicle. A longer wheelbase usually means more room inside.

For teachers: 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.

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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.