airframe

noun

air·​frame ˈer-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
: 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 The International Energy Agency said that for aviation to get on track with its 2050 net-zero emissions scenario, technical measures related to low-emission fuels, improvements in engines and airframes, and demand-restraint solutions would all be needed to curb growth in emissions. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 30 July 2024 Richwine has been on the project since conceptual design, which sought a uniform aircraft cross section to achieve NASA’s low-boom goals, while using a cost-effective approach to test the airframe shape and other details. Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 10 July 2024 The rest of the booster, including the main airframe and propellant tanks, will still be expended. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 June 2024 Uber Elevate soon assembled potential players including budding airframe builders, airline companies, auto makers and transport service providers, as well as potential financiers and operators of new vertiports—airports for vertical-lift aircraft. Steven Ashley, Scientific American, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for airframe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'airframe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airframe was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near airframe

Cite this Entry

“Airframe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airframe. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

airframe

noun
air·​frame ˈa(ə)r-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
ˈe(ə)r-
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the engine and related parts

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