monocoque

noun

mono·​coque ˈmä-nə-ˌkōk 

-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

The Owl’s engineering capabilities result from its lightweight carbon fiber construction, with a monocoque weighing under 265 pounds. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

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

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

Rhymes for monocoque

• artichoke
• nanticoke
• womenfolk
• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk