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

The easiest way to tell the difference is that Charlevoix stones have a smaller hexagonal exoskeleton pattern compared to Petoskey stones. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 July 2025

Of course, selling at-home exoskeletons means that customers must pay for them directly—and exoskeletons aren’t cheap, typically costing between US $80,000 and $100,000. —IEEE Spectrum, 2 Mar. 2025

With the introduction of consumer exoskeletons on the international scene, that inflection point may be happening right now. —Borislav "bobby" Marinov, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

The setup actually consists of two 1.5-lb (680-g) hinged exoskeletons which can be carried in a backpack, and mounted on each leg in a claimed 15 seconds. —Ben Coxworth july 23, New Atlas, 23 July 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