chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈcha-sē How to pronounce chassis (audio) ˈsha-sē How to pronounce chassis (audio)
 also  ˈcha-səs
plural chassis ˈcha-sēz How to pronounce chassis (audio)
ˈsha-sēz
: the supporting frame of a structure (such as an automobile or television)
Leaf springs are attached to the car's chassis.
also : the frame and working parts (as of an automobile or electronic device) exclusive of the body or housing

Examples of chassis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Despite the off-field issues at Castel Volturno, the Napoli Scudetto bus has suffered from dirty fuel lines and a dodgy gearbox, and if Europe’s big spenders have their way over the summer, the engine could be dismantled and the chassis left on blocks too. David Ferrini, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 This is a vinyl record player that has an integrated phono stage as well as a Bluetooth receiver, a pre-amplifier and a power amplifier, housed in a compact chassis. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Unfortunately, the premium materials that make up the headset—primarily the aluminum chassis and glass optics—are much heavier than the plastic and other lightweight components found in competing mixed-reality headsets. Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2024 Fresh composite-panel bodywork, an uprated chassis, and revised suspension modernize this GT. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2024 The engine is enlarged to 5.4 L and set lower down and further back in the chassis. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2024 The Devil’s Horsemen, the company who supplied our horses, had a chassis, and our model makers adapted it, sculpting in clay these amazing rococo-style palm leaves, then casting them and gilding them, and making all the other decoration. Alex Marshall, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2024 Importantly, this Duesenberg J retains its original body, engine, and chassis. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2024 Abt Electronics/YouTube The monitor has a metal chassis and glossy coating. Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chassis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French châssis "window sash, cold frame, frame holding cloth to be painted or embroidered, supporting frame of a motor vehicle," going back to Old French chasiz "window frame" from casse (Anglo-Norman & Norman dialect) "reliquary" (Middle French chasse "frame, mount") + -iz, denominal collective suffix, often of things linked or intertwined, of uncertain origin — more at case entry 2

Note: To judge by the derivative chasiz, attested already in the twelfth century (Roman d'Énéas), the meaning "frame" of casse/chasse is older than its first Middle French attestation in the fourteenth century. Presumably the Latin source capsa had developed more than one sense, all subsumable under the meaning "something holding or enclosing" in Gallo-Romance.

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chassis was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near chassis

Cite this Entry

“Chassis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chassis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chassis

noun
chas·​sis ˈshas-ē How to pronounce chassis (audio) ˈchas-ē How to pronounce chassis (audio)
plural chassis -ēz How to pronounce chassis (audio)
: a supporting frame (as that of the body of an automobile or airplane or the parts of a radio or television receiver)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!