tonneau

[ tuh-noh ]

noun

, plural ton·neaus, ton·neaux [tuh-, nohz].

1. a rear part or compartment of an automobile body, containing seats for passengers.
2. a complete automobile body having such a rear part.
3. a waterproof cover, generally of canvas or vinyl, that can be fastened over the cockpit of a roadster or convertible to protect the interior.

tonneau

/ ˈtɒnəʊ /

noun

1. Also calledtonneau cover
   1. a detachable cover to protect the rear part of an open car when it is not carrying passengers
   2. a similar cover that fits over all the passenger seats, but not the driver's, in an open vehicle
2. rare.
   the part of an open car in which the rear passengers sit

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonneau¹

1900–05; < French: literally, cask; Old French tonel . See tunnel

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonneau¹

C20: from French: special type of vehicle body, from Old French tonnel cask, from tonne tun

Example Sentences

Munro likes some of the thoughtful touches on the R1T, including a cleverly hinged tailgate, a power tonneau cover and a large under-bed storage compartment just behind the cabin.

From Reuters

Get ready to use the touchscreen a lot It looks like all of the R1T’s exterior storage compartments can be opened through the touchscreen, like the massive front trunk, the doors to the “gear tunnel” that sits between the cab and the bed, and the tonneau cover.

From The Verge

Another details how the company plans to integrate solar panel tech onto the retracting tonneau cover for the truck bed — something CEO Elon Musk said might be an option.

From The Verge

We weren’t dragging anything quite that heavy, but with the 5-foot-7 bed -- a longer one is available as an option -- and the optional tonneau cover, the truck easily stored the luggage, food supplies, hiking equipment and cold weather duds required for a winter road trip.

From Los Angeles Times

Tuscany added over 65 unique components, which include a hard tonneau cover with a Harley-Davidson logo debossed into it and plenty more badges scattered throughout the interior, which has been reupholstered with orange-stitched black leather and piano black trim.

From Fox News