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airframe

American

[air-freym] / ˈɛərˌfreɪm /

noun

the framework and external covering of an airplane, rocket, etc.

airframe British

/ ˈɛəˌfreɪm /

noun

the body of an aircraft, excluding its engines

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of airframe

First recorded in 1930–35; air(plane) + frame

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is in fact the airframe of a Boeing 737, but inside it's fitted out with sophisticated cameras and sensors and listening devices.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

That could come from new engine architecture, lighter materials or radical changes to the airframe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

"So, in this study, we have closely examined the various factors that contribute to the noise produced by the embedded ducted fans installed on curved airframe surfaces."

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2024

Boeing has acknowledged that manufacturing changes had been made but said that the durability of the airframe was not affected, and the company has continued to express confidence in the plane and its safety.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2024

She turned back steeply, lost no height, and swore again as the airframe shuddered, automatic flaps clattering alarmingly as the plane tried to decide what speed it was flying.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023