What does axel mean? An axel is a maneuver in figure skating. The skater leaps from the front outside edge of one skate, rotates 1 ½ times, and lands on the rear outside edge of the other skate. The axel, also known as the axel jump, is considered the most difficult of the six jumps in figure skating. A tripleaxel, where a skater rotates 3 ½ times, has a starting value of 8 points at the Olympics, compared to the 3. 3 points given for a double (2 ½ rotations) axel. Example: The judges were impressed by the skater’s axel and her perfect landing after completing the spin.
First recorded in 1925–30; after Axel Paulsen (1855–1938), Norwegian figure skater, who popularized the maneuver
One of the most challenging moves in figure skating is the axel, in which a skater jumps from the forward edge of one foot, spins in the air, and lands on the outside edge of the opposite skate. Doing a single axel is hard enough, but most competitive figure skaters learn to do double or even triple axels, rotating up to three times in the air before landing on the ice. Axels are deceptively tricky because starting on one foot and landing on the other requires an extra half-rotation. The jump is named for Axel Paulson, who invented it in the 19th century.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Say that—that—that your wife—no—that you're expecting a christening— AXEL.
From Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter by Oland, Warner
AXEL, You seem to be filled with malicious delight, Bertha.
From Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter by Oland, Warner
And if you are refused, it's because your name begins with A. AXEL.
From Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter by Oland, Warner
Axel, will you believe me,—I have never experienced before what I now feel— AXEL.
From Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter by Oland, Warner
You stay in here, at least, while— AXEL.
From Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter by Oland, Warner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
