cowling

American  

[kou-ling] / ˈkaʊ lɪŋ /

noun

1. a streamlined metal housing or removable covering for an engine, especially an aircraft engine, often part of or forming a continuous line with the fuselage or wing.

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cowling British  

/ ˈkaʊlɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: cowl.  a streamlined metal covering, esp one fitted around an aircraft engine Compare fairing 1

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Etymology

Origin of cowling

First recorded in 1915–20; cowl + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“We’ve got a piece of the engine cowling hanging off.”

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2024

Southwest Airlines said its maintenance teams would review the Boeing 737-800 after its cowling, which covers the plane's engine, fell off.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2024

Because current regulations on the so-called cowling at the front of the engines don’t require the fixes, the company is requesting an exemption to the rules to proceed with its redesign.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2021

“To have a single blade split the cowling like that is concerning,” one expert told the Journal.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2018

Abel Martinson hoisted himself on top of the cabin, propped one foot against the cowling, and shone his flashlight upward one more time.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson