exoskeleton
noun
exo·skel·e·ton
ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tən 
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
Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The technology could also find use in applications other than prosthetics, such as wearable exoskeletons, downhill ski boots, or even spacesuits.
—
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025
Their robust exoskeletons, vivid colorations and powerful mandibles serve not only as defense mechanisms but also as tools in intraspecific competition and mating rituals.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Worm castings owe their pest control capacity to chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin, an integral constituent of insect exoskeletons, fungus cell walls, and nematode eggshells.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025
And the Army isn’t the only branch exploring exoskeletons: Later in 2022, the Air Force announced that the service was testing its own pneumatically powered exosuit developed by ROAM Robotics to help aerial porters load up cargo aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III.
—Jared Keller, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for exoskeleton
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.
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025
Their robust exoskeletons, vivid colorations and powerful mandibles serve not only as defense mechanisms but also as tools in intraspecific competition and mating rituals.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Worm castings owe their pest control capacity to chitinase, an enzyme that breaks down chitin, an integral constituent of insect exoskeletons, fungus cell walls, and nematode eggshells.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2025
And the Army isn’t the only branch exploring exoskeletons: Later in 2022, the Air Force announced that the service was testing its own pneumatically powered exosuit developed by ROAM Robotics to help aerial porters load up cargo aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster III.
—Jared Keller, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for exoskeleton
Cite this Entry
“Exoskeleton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoskeleton. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exoskeleton
noun
exo·skel·e·ton
ˌek-sō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn
: 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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share