crankcase

noun

crank·​case ˈkraŋk-ˌkās How to pronounce crankcase (audio)
: the housing of a crankshaft

Examples of crankcase 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.
The locomotive’s engine cylinders have been removed, and its crankcase was bare. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026 The crankcase is the central, lower housing of the engine. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 May 2026 Clean the area around the oil cap to prevent debris from getting inside the crankcase, then remove the cap. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026 Among other components, the power train incorporates new injectors, a tilted cylinder, a new starting system and a crankcase design that significantly reduces mechanical and drive belt noise. — Josh Max, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for crankcase

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crankcase was circa 1878

Rhymes for crankcase

See All Rhymes for crankcase

Browse Nearby Words

crank brace
crankcase
crankery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

crankcase

noun
crank·​case ˈkraŋk-ˌkās How to pronounce crankcase (audio)
: the covering of a crankshaft

More from Merriam-Webster on crankcase

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crankcase

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