: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the power plant
also
: aircraft
Examples of airframe in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Users can tweak structural parameter configuration files to suit different bamboo airframe designs without altering the core control algorithms, making advanced UAV technology more accessible.
—
Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
The last airframes were retired from active service in 2010, though the venerable fighter has continued to be used for training.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The four-engine jets, based on the Boeing 707 commercial airframe carry a flight crew of four, plus 13 to 19 mission specialists, a number that can fluctuate depending on the specific assignment involved, according to the Air Force.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
With this in mind, engineers are always looking for things to toss out of an airframe.
—David Szondy
march 11, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for airframe
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Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
The last airframes were retired from active service in 2010, though the venerable fighter has continued to be used for training.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The four-engine jets, based on the Boeing 707 commercial airframe carry a flight crew of four, plus 13 to 19 mission specialists, a number that can fluctuate depending on the specific assignment involved, according to the Air Force.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
With this in mind, engineers are always looking for things to toss out of an airframe.
—David Szondy
march 11, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for airframe
Cite this Entry
“Airframe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airframe. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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airframe
noun
air·frame
ˈa(ə)r-ˌfrām 
ˈe(ə)r-
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket vehicle, or missile without the engine and related parts
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