airframe

noun

air·​frame ˈer-ˌfrām How to pronounce airframe (audio)
: 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.
Labor accounts for most of the cost of airframe maintenance, so airlines in wealthier countries often send that work to countries where wages are lower. Niraj Chokshi, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, China is developing different fighter jet airframe models at a rapid pace, as opposed to the more integrated and modular approach adopted by the West. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 That is, flight so close to Mach 1 that some areas of airflow over the airframe exceed the speed of sound. New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2025 The Ukrainian air force went to war with 43 flyable Su-25s, got an extra 18 airframes from Macedonia and Bulgaria and lost at least 20 of the jets in action, leaving at most 41 in service. David Axe, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near airframe

Cite this Entry

“Airframe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airframe. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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

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