exoskeleton

noun

exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
Synonyms of exoskeletonnext
1
: an external supportive covering of an animal (such as an arthropod)
2
: bony or horny parts of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues
3
: an artificial external supporting structure
exoskeletal
ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
adjective

Examples of exoskeleton 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.
As pests crawl through it, its jagged edges scrape their exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 June 2026 When the mosquito lands on the fungus, its hook-like spores burrow through the insect’s exoskeleton and kill it within days. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 And the study authors suggest that some harvestmen species may rely on their armored exoskeleton and spined appendages for restraining struggling frogs. — Jake Buehler, Scientific American, 21 May 2026 Additional signs of an insect infestation might include shed exoskeletons or shelter tubes, such as those made by termites. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exoskeleton

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exoskeleton was in 1847

Rhymes for exoskeleton

See All Rhymes for exoskeleton

Browse Nearby Words

exoskeletal
exoskeleton
exosmotic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exoskeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoskeleton. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exoskeleton

noun
exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
: a hard supporting or protective structure (as of an insect, spider, or crustacean) on the outside of the body

Medical Definition

exoskeleton

noun
exo·​skel·​e·​ton ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
1
: an external supportive covering of an animal (as the system of sclerites covering the body of an insect) compare endoskeleton
2
: bony or horny parts (as nails, hooves, or scales) of a vertebrate produced from epidermal tissues
exoskeletal
-ət-ᵊl How to pronounce exoskeleton (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on exoskeleton

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exoskeleton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exoskeleton

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