cowling

American  

[kou-ling] / ˈkaʊ lɪŋ /

noun

1. a streamlined metal housing or removable covering for an engine, especially an aircraft engine, often part of or forming a continuous line with the fuselage or wing.

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cowling British  

/ ˈkaʊlɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: cowl.  a streamlined metal covering, esp one fitted around an aircraft engine Compare fairing 1

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Etymology

Origin of cowling

First recorded in 1915–20; cowl + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Airline regulators in the US have begun an investigation after an engine cowling on a Boeing 737-800 fell off during take-off and struck a wing flap.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2024

Also of concern was the fact that the cowling — the circular piece on the front of the engine — fell from the sky.

From New York Times • Feb. 22, 2021

“That cowling is a Boeing design, it’s not the engine manufacturer’s design,” said Jeff Guzzetti, former director of the FAA’s accident investigation division.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2021

“To have a single blade split the cowling like that is concerning,” one expert told the Journal.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2018

The drill's cowling was off to make room for the power line.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir