universal joint

noun

: a shaft coupling capable of transmitting rotation from one shaft to another not collinear with it

called also universal coupling

Illustration of universal joint

Illustration of universal joint

Examples of universal joint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the cracks grow over time, the upper universal joint on the steering intermediate shaft assembly may separate. — Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 There are two universal joints that are prone to wear, especially in Snow Belt states. — Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, 1 July 2017 But the shank prototype's universal joints were causing problems and needed to be redesigned. — Jason Falconer, IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of universal joint was in 1856

Rhymes for universal joint

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Browse Nearby Words

universalize
universal joint
universal language
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Cite this Entry

“Universal joint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universal%20joint. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

universal joint

noun
: a shaft coupling capable of transmitting rotation from one shaft to another not in a straight line with it

More from Merriam-Webster on universal joint

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universal joint

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