airframe

noun

air·​frame ˈer-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
Synonyms of airframenext
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the power plant
also : aircraft

Examples of airframe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Heavyweight starting point The C-130J-30 provides a substantial airframe for the Navy’s requirements. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The second stage is common to all variants, consisting of a common airframe, avionics, software, flight control system, and swappable sensors for zeroing in on targets and destroying them. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 In the event of an emergency, a rocket deploys a nylon parachute from the airframe in seconds, allowing the plane to land safely. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for airframe

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airframe was in 1930

Rhymes for airframe

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Browse Nearby Words

air force blue
airframe
airframer
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Cite this Entry

“Airframe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airframe. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

airframe

noun
air·​frame ˈa(ə)r-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
ˈe(ə)r-
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the engine and related parts

More from Merriam-Webster on airframe

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for airframe

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about airframe

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