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

Electric aircraft enters testing The eFlyer 2 pairs an electric propulsion system with a lightweight composite airframe. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

This allowed Joby to operate under an FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certificate (Research & Development) while proving that its autonomy technology can be retrofitted onto conventional, pre-certified airframes. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

Although the plane flew under the Amazon Prime Air branding and network, the e-commerce giant does not hold the air operator certificate or maintenance responsibility for the airframe. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

AeroVironment is responsible for the helicopters’ rotor systems, airframes, structures, avionics integration, and accommodation for science payloads, the company said in a press release. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 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