nacelle

noun

na·​celle nə-ˈsel 

: a streamlined enclosure (as for an engine) on an aircraft

Examples of nacelle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Louis Manfredi, another ocean engineering student, teamed up with master’s student Jim Sexton on the nacelle housing the generator and drivetrain. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 June 2026

Instead of requiring expensive underwater maintenance operations, the nacelles and rotors can be raised above the surface for inspection and servicing. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026

Rare earths: the 17 chemically similar elements that make electric motors spin efficiently, that keep missile guidance fins stable at supersonic speeds, that sit inside every F-35, every EV drivetrain, every wind turbine nacelle. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026

As this happens, the engine's power is redirected through a conventional jet nozzle at the rear of the nacelle. —David Szondy march 09, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, small boat, from Late Latin navicella, diminutive of Latin navis ship — more at nave

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nacelle

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

nacelle

noun

na·​celle nə-ˈsel 

: an enclosed shelter on an aircraft for an engine or sometimes for the crew