unibody

noun

uni·​body ˈyü-nə-ˌbä-dē How to pronounce unibody (audio)
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
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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 See All Example Sentences for unibody

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unibody was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Unibody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unibody. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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