# chassis

/ˈtʃæsi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chassis
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. vehicle frame

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the strong metal frame that supports the engine and body of a car or truck.

For teachers: the internal framework of a motor vehicle, including the frame, wheels, and machinery, upon which the body is mounted.

- The mechanic checked the car's chassis for rust after the long winter.
- The heavy-duty truck features a reinforced steel chassis designed to withstand the stresses of off-road construction environments.

Usage: The plural form is also spelled 'chassis' but is pronounced with a final /iz/ sound instead of /i/.

### 2. electronics housing

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the metal frame inside a computer or radio that holds all the electronic parts.

For teachers: the internal metal frame or housing of an electronic device that provides structural support for circuit boards and components.

- He opened the computer chassis to install more memory.
- The server's modular chassis allows for the rapid replacement of power supply units without interrupting the system's operation.

### 3. body part

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang

a slang word for a woman's body, especially her bottom.

For teachers: a slang term referring to a woman's buttocks or general physical build.

- The old song used 'chassis' as a funny way to talk about a woman's shape.
- The use of 'chassis' to describe a person's physique is largely confined to mid-twentieth-century slang and is now considered objectifying.

Teaching tip: This sense is dated and can be seen as offensive or sexist in modern contexts; learners should avoid using it.

## Examples

- The mechanic checked the car's chassis for rust.
- Heavy-duty trucks require a reinforced chassis to handle the weight of the cargo they carry across rough terrain.
- Engineers redesigned the aluminum chassis to reduce the vehicle's overall weight while maintaining the structural integrity required for high-speed cornering and impact safety.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.