exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən 

1

: an external supportive covering of an animal (such as an arthropod)

2

: bony or horny parts of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues

3

: an artificial external supporting structure

exoskeletal

ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s also Luum, which launched its newest-generation lash extension robot at Nordstrom around the same time and whose cofounders include veterans of Ekso Bionics, a maker of robotic exoskeletons for stroke and spinal cord injury survivors. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026

With an exoskeleton blossoming out from a narrow base like a champagne flute, the 558-foot tower is a striking addition to Baghdad’s distinctly low-rise skyline — albeit one that has been rapidly transformed by a recent construction boom. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026

Recreational exoskeletons have been popping up for years, but the new IRMO M1 exoskeleton feels like a turning point. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

The exoskeleton detaches from the base, supporting the circular design goal. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exoskeleton

• cytoskeleton
• gelatin
• skeleton

Kids Definition

exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn 

: a hard supporting or protective structure (as of an insect, spider, or crustacean) on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn 

1

: an external supportive covering of an animal (as the system of sclerites covering the body of an insect) compare endoskeleton

2

: bony or horny parts (as nails, hooves, or scales) of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues

exoskeletal

-ət-ᵊl 

adjective