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
: 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
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Another shopper mentioned using one as a magnetic flashlight during car repairs, snapping to metal on the car’s chassis for hands-free illumination right where it’s needed. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2025 Furthermore, the Chinese auto giant’s ‘Smart Geely 2025’ strategy aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced AI technologies, including end-to-end voice interaction models, AI digital chassis, and intelligent driving systems. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2025 The chassis lacks exhaust fans; instead, all system fans point inward, and gaskets in the top assembly prevent air from escaping up there. PC Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025 That’s not to say Harbinger doesn’t import any of the components that go into its EV chassis. Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Chassis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chassis. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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)

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