airframe

noun

air·​frame ˈer-ˌfrām 

: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the power plant

also : aircraft

Examples of airframe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But not all existing narrowbody Airbus and Boeing airframes will get upgraded, spokesperson Andrea Koos clarifies in an email. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Their approach relies on an existing airframe, potentially giving the Marine Corps a faster route toward an operational collaborative combat aircraft. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Now, Archer, working in close partnership with Anduril, has introduced the Halo, a commercial variant sharing the same core airframe and systems, sans the weaponry. — David Szondy august 04, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026

Because it was originally developed as an inexpensive decoy, the airframe relies heavily on commercial off-the-shelf components and a relatively simple internal design. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for airframe

• acclaim
• aflame
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim
• doorframe
• exclaim
• inflame
• mainframe
• nickname

Kids Definition

airframe

noun

air·​frame ˈa(ə)r-ˌfrām 

ˈe(ə)r-

: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the engine and related parts