a-x-e-l
AXEL is a figure skating jump with a forward takeoff, named after Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen. It's the only jump entered from a forward edge, making it uniquely challenging.
11
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
AXEL is primarily known as a figure skating jump, though it also serves as a masculine given name. In figure skating, the axel is considered one of the most difficult jumps because skaters take off from a forward outside edge and must complete an extra half rotation compared to other jumps. A single axel is actually 1.5 rotations, a double axel is 2.5 rotations, and the rare triple axel is 3.5 rotations. The jump was invented by Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen in 1882, who first performed it at the World Championships in Vienna. What made Paulsen's jump revolutionary was the forward takeoff—all other jumps begin skating backward. This forward entry requires exceptional timing, strength, and spatial awareness.Key characteristics of the axel jump:
The word axel has two distinct etymological paths. As a figure skating term, it's an eponym—named after Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen (1855-1938) who invented the jump in 1882. The jump retained his first name rather than his surname, unusual for eponymous sports moves. The name Axel itself derives from the Hebrew name Absalom, meaning "father of peace." It traveled through multiple languages: Hebrew Avshalom → Greek Axel → Latin Axelus → Scandinavian Axel. The name became popular in Scandinavia during the medieval period and remains common in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In skating terminology, "axel" entered English in the early 20th century as figure skating gained international popularity. The jump's name is sometimes misspelled as "axle" (like a wheel axle), but the correct skating term maintains Paulsen's name spelling. Interestingly, the jump is called "axel" in most languages, making it one of figure skating's universal terms.
•Only 12 women have landed triple axels in international competition
•The first quadruple axel was landed by Ilia Malinin in 2022
•Axel Paulsen invented his jump while speed skating, not figure skating
•AXEL's X tile (8 points) makes it a valuable 4-letter word in Scrabble
"She finally landed her double axel after months of practice."
"The triple axel remains one of figure skating's most difficult jumps."
"Playing AXEL with the X on a double letter score netted 22 points."
Words with similar meaning
Jump
Skating leap
Leap
Upward spring
Rotation
Spinning motion
Maneuver
Skillful move
Other skating elements
Lutz
Toe-pick jump
Salchow
Edge jump
Loop
Back edge jump
Flip
Toe-assisted jump
Plural Form
axels
Multiple axel jumps
Possessive Form
axel's
The axel's difficulty
Common Misspelling
axle ✗
Not the wheel part!
Jump Variations
Successfully complete
3.5 rotation jump
Forward approach
Other valuable X words:
The axel holds special status in figure skating as the most challenging of the basic jumps. Its forward takeoff requires skaters to generate rotation while looking where they're going, unlike backward jumps where rotation feels more natural. The extra half-rotation means skaters must master precise air position and landing timing. Elite skaters spend years perfecting their axel technique before attempting doubles or triples.
The triple axel often determines Olympic champions. Midori Ito became the first woman to land one at the 1988 Olympics. Tonya Harding made history as the first American woman to land it in 1991. Mirai Nagasu's triple axel at the 2018 Olympics helped Team USA win bronze. The jump's difficulty makes it a decisive element—successfully landing a triple axel can vault a skater from medal contention to the podium.
Modern technology has revolutionized axel training. High-speed cameras reveal the precise mechanics of successful jumps. Harness systems allow safe practice of multiple rotations. The quad axel, long thought impossible, required 4.5 rotations and remained unconquered until Ilia Malinin's historic landing in 2022. This achievement pushed the boundaries of human athletic capability and opened new possibilities for the sport's future.
Axel vs. Axle
Jump vs. wheel shaft
Rotation count
Always add 0.5 to the name
Capitalization
Not capitalized as jump
AXON
Nerve fiber
AXES
Plural of axis/ax
AJAX
Greek hero
APEX
Highest point
VEXED
Annoyed
PIXEL
Picture element
BOXER
Fighter/dog
MIXER
Blending device
EXAMS
Tests
TOXIC
Poisonous
Other valuable X-words in Scrabble
Total base points: 11 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 2
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like AXEL