Plain English Meaning
A fuselage design where the outside skin is the main load-bearing part of the structure, instead of relying on an internal frame to hold everything together.
Full Definition
A type of aircraft fuselage construction in which the outer skin carries all or most of the structural loads, with little or no internal framework supporting it. The shell itself provides the strength.
Context Anchor
Seen in airframe construction, fuselage design, and inspection discussions.
Derivation
From French: 'mono' meaning 'single' and 'coque' meaning 'shell.' So literally 'single shell.' That captures the idea well — one continuous outer shell carries the load, like an eggshell.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing monocoque construction helps technicians assess damage correctly and methods that preserve airframe strength.