exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
1
: an external supportive covering of an animal (such as an arthropod)
2
: bony or horny parts of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues
3
: an artificial external supporting structure
exoskeletal adjective

Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unlike conventional teleoperation systems that rely on motion sensors or exoskeletons, H2L's sensors detect even the smallest changes in muscle tension. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025 Most exoskeletons on the market are made for adults, can't be scaled down due to large backpacks full of batteries, and come with breathtaking price tags of up to $500,000. Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 New research has shown that dentine, the sensitive interior of human teeth, likely evolved from the sensory tissue within bumps on the exoskeletons of armored fish 465 million years ago. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 25 May 2025 Another unusual trait is the caterpillar's exclusive choice of insect parts or spider exoskeletons for their casing, rather than natural materials like bark or leaves, when tested in a lab. Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exoskeleton

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exoskeleton was in 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exoskeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoskeleton. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

exoskeleton

noun
exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
: a hard supporting or protective structure (as of an insect, spider, or crustacean) on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

exoskeleton

noun
exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
1
: an external supportive covering of an animal (as the system of sclerites covering the body of an insect) compare endoskeleton
2
: bony or horny parts (as nails, hooves, or scales) of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues
exoskeletal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on exoskeleton

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!