monocoque

noun

mono·​coque ˈmä-nə-ˌkōk How to pronounce monocoque (audio)
-ˌkäk
1
: a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses
2
: a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis compare space frame, unibody

Examples of monocoque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The vehicle has a more aerodynamic body—the modifications produce over 1,100 pounds of downforce—as well as a monocoque made from a carbon-titanium material that’s lighter than that featured in the standard version of the open-top speed machine. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025 Its monocoque is made entirely of carbon fiber, a material that Lamborghini recycles and upcycles throughout the creation cycle. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monocoque

Word History

Etymology

French, from mon- + coque shell, probably from Latin coccum kermes — more at cocoon

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monocoque was in 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Monocoque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monocoque. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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