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.
The company has also introduced chassis-by-wire technology for unmanned mining trucks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 Ferrari introduced the first of these in Austria, along with a new synthetic Shell fuel, which many thought would be the missing piece that would propel the chassis and aero upgrades from Barcelona to the front of the pack. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 Delivered as rolling chassis, the cars are intended to be fit with Ford 427 FE engines, though there’s also the choice of Shelby iron- or aluminum-block power plants. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 Rossmönster Havn Camper Van $308,998 Running smooth on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis, this off-grid van doesn’t scrimp on luxury. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of chassis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chassis

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