fuselage

noun

fu·​se·​lage ˈfyü-sə-ˌläzh 

-zə-

: the central body portion of an aircraft designed to accommodate the crew and the passengers or cargo see airplane illustration

Examples of fuselage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The size of Gulfstream III’s wing increased by six feet compared to its predecessor, expanding its fuselage and range to 3,650 nautical miles. —Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025

The aircraft's unconventional air intake placements – on top of the fuselage and on either side – point to an unorthodox three-engine configuration. —New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024

The Flip has a Mode button on its fuselage, on the right side between the two propellers relative to the drone's camera facing you. —PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025

Then the bucket operator sprays the wings, tail and fuselage with a mixture of hot fluids that melts ice so the jet can take off safely. —Joel Rose, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from fuselé "spindle-shaped" (from past participle of fuseler "to give the shape of a spindle to," going back to Middle French, derivative of fusel "spindle," diminutive of fus "spindle," going back to Latin fūsus, of obscure origin) + -age -age

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fuselage

noun

fu·​se·​lage ˈfyü-sə-ˌläzh 

ˈfyü-zə-

: the central body portion of an airplane that holds the crew, passengers, and cargo