monocoque

noun

mono·​coque ˈmä-nə-ˌkōk 

-ˌkäk

1

: a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses

2

: a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis compare space frame, unibody

Examples of monocoque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its monocoque is made entirely of carbon fiber, a material that Lamborghini recycles and upcycles throughout the creation cycle. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

Now, though, many new Ruf models are designed from the ground up, like the CTR anniversary and SCR, which feature carbon fiber monocoques, inboard suspension, and lightweight alloy subframes. —Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from mon- + coque shell, probably from Latin coccum kermes — more at cocoon

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for monocoque

• artichoke
• nanticoke
• womenfolk
• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk