tonneau

noun

ton·​neau ˈtä-ˌnō  tə-ˈnō 

plural tonneaus

1

a

: a rear seating compartment of an automobile

also : the entire seating compartment

b

: tonneau cover

2

: a shape of watch case or dial resembling a barrel in profile

Examples of tonneau in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aged in non-toasted tonneau, this Malvasia is typical of the region with good body and roundness. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

The magazine re-ran the tonneau testing at 65 miles per hour instead and saw significant gains. —Bradley Brownell / Jalopnik, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024

However, when the tonneau lifts and reveals a large trident logo embedded below the clear coat and finished in titanium, the MC20 becomes an intangibly cooler looking supercar whose spirit brings a bit more sprezzatura than the non-alfresco alternative. —Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 May 2022

Convertibles have a cover for the top mechanism that hides the engine, even with the convertible tonneau raised. —Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, tun, from Old French tonel — more at tunnel entry 1

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tonneau

• tonneau cover

Rhymes for tonneau

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo