chassis

noun

chas·​sis ˈcha-sē How to pronounce chassis (audio) ˈsha-sē How to pronounce chassis (audio)
also ˈcha-səs
plural chassis ˈcha-sēz How to pronounce chassis (audio)
ˈsha-sēz
Synonyms of chassis
: the supporting frame of a structure (such as an automobile or television)
Leaf springs are attached to the car's chassis.
also : the frame and working parts (as of an automobile or electronic device) exclusive of the body or housing

Examples of chassis 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.
This Packard is one of four authentic 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Sport Phateon by LeBaron examples left and still has its original engine, chassis and coachwork. — Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The 800-volt electrical system that supports the chassis tech exists in the Torcal, so its suspension is every bit as responsive as Porsche’s. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026 The Challenge may borrow the GT3 aggressive aero package, chassis, and powertrain, but the interior could not be more different. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 The standard Pixel 11 has a slightly slimmer chassis than the Pixel 10 or its stablemates, which means the sound has less space to fill. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chassis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French châssis "window sash, cold frame, frame holding cloth to be painted or embroidered, supporting frame of a motor vehicle," going back to Old French chasiz "window frame" from casse (Anglo-Norman & Norman dialect) "reliquary" (Middle French chasse "frame, mount") + -iz, denominal collective suffix, often of things linked or intertwined, of uncertain origin — more at case entry 2

Note: To judge by the derivative chasiz, attested already in the twelfth century (Roman d'Énéas), the meaning "frame" of casse/chasse is older than its first Middle French attestation in the fourteenth century. Presumably the Latin source capsa had developed more than one sense, all subsumable under the meaning "something holding or enclosing" in Gallo-Romance.

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chassis was circa 1864

Rhymes for chassis

See All Rhymes for chassis

Browse Nearby Words

chassignite
chassis
Chastacosta
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chassis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chassis. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chassis

noun
chas·​sis ˈshas-ē How to pronounce chassis (audio) ˈchas-ē How to pronounce chassis (audio)
plural chassis -ēz How to pronounce chassis (audio)
: a supporting frame (as that of the body of an automobile or airplane or the parts of a radio or television receiver)

More from Merriam-Webster on chassis

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chassis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chassis

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