unibody

noun

uni·​body ˈyü-nə-ˌbä-dē 

plural unibodies

: a single structural unit of an automobile consisting of a combined chassis and body

Weight was shaved by 800 pounds from the outgoing model with an aluminum unibody instead of body-on-frame construction …

—Robert Duffer

—often used before another noun

Unibody construction was brought on by demands on automakers to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient models.

—Carl Larsen

compare monocoque, space frame

Examples of unibody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 914 was a steel unibody design manufactured by Karmann, and a mid-engine layout meant the lump of a motor was situated for almost perfect balance, with a low center of gravity, like the electric slot cars of the day. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 July 2025

It's known for its smooth ride quality because of its unique unibody design. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 May 2025

The unibody design was a modern development when earlier MGs and other British competitors, such as Triumph, still used body-on-frame designs. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 May 2025

The Miata’s sturdy steel unibody features an aluminum hood. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unibody

• afterbody
• antibody
• busybody
• everybody
• autoantibody
• bawdy
• body
• gaudy
• khadi
• mahdi
• noddy
• oddi