tonneau

noun

ton·​neau ˈtä-ˌnō How to pronounce tonneau (audio) tə-ˈnō How to pronounce tonneau (audio)
plural tonneaus
1
a
: a rear seating compartment of an automobile
also : the entire seating compartment
2
: a shape of watch case or dial resembling a barrel in profile

Examples of tonneau 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.
The magazine re-ran the tonneau testing at 65 miles per hour instead and saw significant gains. Bradley Brownell / Jalopnik, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 However, when the tonneau lifts and reveals a large trident logo embedded below the clear coat and finished in titanium, the MC20 becomes an intangibly cooler looking supercar whose spirit brings a bit more sprezzatura than the non-alfresco alternative. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 May 2022 Convertibles have a cover for the top mechanism that hides the engine, even with the convertible tonneau raised. Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2022 Users close the tonneau with the help of the webbed nylon strap, like those on wetsuit zippers. Dan Neil, WSJ, 21 Oct. 2021 See all Example Sentences for tonneau 

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, tun, from Old French tonel — more at tunnel entry 1

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonneau was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near tonneau

Cite this Entry

“Tonneau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonneau. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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