: 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
Developmental testing is first carried out by test pilots to verify the airframe's structural integrity, aerodynamic characteristics, performance, and engineering systems.
—
David Szondy
june 15, New Atlas, 15 June 2026
Many of the current airframes entered service in the 1950s and 1960s, and are still going strong.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
The company supplies airframe and engine structures and landing gear, among other aerospace products.
—Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 26 May 2026
Repurposed planes become sustainable buildings, reusing strong, light airframes built for thousands of takeoffs and landings, instead of creating hotels from scratch.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for airframe
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David Szondy
june 15, New Atlas, 15 June 2026
Many of the current airframes entered service in the 1950s and 1960s, and are still going strong.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
The company supplies airframe and engine structures and landing gear, among other aerospace products.
—Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 26 May 2026
Repurposed planes become sustainable buildings, reusing strong, light airframes built for thousands of takeoffs and landings, instead of creating hotels from scratch.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for airframe
Cite this Entry
“Airframe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airframe. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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