chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈcha-sē  ˈsha-sē 

also ˈcha-səs

plural chassis ˈcha-sēz 

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

On paper, the electric sedan holds a clear power advantage, while the Ferrari counters with its light weight and decades of chassis tuning. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026

The base Pioneer trim starts at US$119,990 and brings along the plug-in hybrid power system with 43-kWh lithium battery, the dual-axle steel chassis, and the interior floor plan described with smart home integration. —New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026

In a post made on Facebook which included three photographs of the karts, Phillipe confirmed that nine JB17 Forever karting chassis were stolen and asked the karting community to help recover them. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Singer knew a good thing, because the chassis, engine, and aesthetic perfection of the 964 represented a high-watermark in the 911 lineage. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for chassis

• assay
• bassi
• brassey
• brassy
• cassie
• classy
• gassy
• glassy
• grassy
• lassie
• massy
• sassy

Kids Definition

chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈshas-ē  ˈchas-ē 

plural chassis -ēz 

: a supporting frame (as that of the body of an automobile or airplane or the parts of a radio or television receiver)