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

Genton and Kusunoki created a steel exoskeleton that surrounds the multifaceted, 30,000 square meter building. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026

This fine white powder is an abrasive substance that cuts the exoskeleton of spiders, ants, fleas, and other bugs, which dehydrates and kills them over time. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026

Some of the larger coprolites contain bits of shell or exoskeleton, revealing a bit about the diets of whatever produced them. — ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

This is, as a nature documentary playing in the background during a scene suggests, his equivalent of a spider molting, shedding its old exoskeleton to hopefully emerge — stronger and more resilient — into adulthood. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 July 2026

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