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

Throttle and transmission shifts have been tweaked for sharper response, while, critically, a series of chassis alterations aim to liven up handling and steering feel. —Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026

According to the patent document filed by Nissan, the battery pack will be mounted onto the chassis using actuators. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026

The build was completed as a full body-off-frame restoration — a process that separates the truck’s body from its chassis to rebuild each component from the ground up, with original components carefully sourced and preserved wherever possible. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

It’s powered by a Chevy Vortec V8 engine and has a chassis Doyle described as similar to a box truck. —Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 19 Feb. 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)