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

exoskeletal

ˌek-sō-ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of exoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nymphs molt out of their exoskeletons, turn into winged adults and start their loud, chirping mating call. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025

These obligations and responsibilities have become a shell, and the men underneath them need to emerge, soft and vulnerable, like cicadas crawling out of the underworld and shedding their exoskeletons. —Jessa Crispin, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

These allergens can come from their saliva, shed exoskeletons and feces. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2025

Insects belong to a phylum called Arthropoda – animals with hard exoskeletons and jointed feet. —Nicholas Green, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exoskeleton

• cytoskeleton
• gelatin
• skeleton

Kids 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

exoskeletal

-ət-ᵊl 

adjective