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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.

Both jets can conduct aerial combat and surface-attack missions, and feature stealthy airframe designs and materials to reduce their radar signature.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

I meet Tom Spencer, an aircraft fitter, attaching some steel plates to the airframe.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2025

In developing any new jet, Boeing engineers provide not only the design of the airframe but also instructions on how all the parts must be put together: the configuration.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 2, 2024

"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

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