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

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

Some have exoskeletons while others don’t, while others are made of different minerals, and house distinct populations of microbes within their tissue. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

No person shall harvest or attempt to harvest spiny lobster using any device which will or could puncture, penetrate or crush the exoskeleton (shell) or the flesh of the lobster. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 29 July 2026

How the soft exosuit helps people walk Many robotic exoskeletons rely on rigid motors to move a person’s joints. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 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