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

Today, thanks to innovations such as the carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the HANS device, the halo cockpit protection, and advanced fireproof suits, fatalities have become exceedingly rare. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025

It’s based on the aluminum chassis of the Ferrari 458—and not the carbon monocoque that the LaFerrari would eventually be built on—and was mainly used for testing brakes, according to RM Sotheby’s. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025

The Owl’s engineering capabilities result from its lightweight carbon fiber construction, with a monocoque weighing under 265 pounds. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

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

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