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

An aluminum frame serves as the chassis – one that Norton claims is a class-first feature. — New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2026

These computers take over those functions but with much faster processing power—and therefore more capabilities in terms of chassis control or powertrain efficiency—as well as the ability to be more easily updated. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026

Regardless, Apple made several smaller changes to the MacBook Pro chassis to either accommodate those display upgrades or just improve the overall look and feel. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Mobile missile system The Avenger features a 360-degree rotating turret with two missile pods mounted on a Humvee’s heavy chassis and can fire FIM-92 Stinger missiles. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 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)