tonneau

American  

[tuh-noh] / tʌˈnoʊ /

noun

plural

tonneaus, tonneaux

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 British  

/ ˈtɒnəʊ /

noun

1. Also called: tonneau 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

---

Etymology

Origin of tonneau

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

Example Sentences

The powered, dark-tinted rear window, dual-panel sunroof, cargo bed tonneau and other status-y upsells added $21,085 to the tribute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

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 • Jun. 3, 2022

Roadster versions like our test car give up the coupe’s noble roofline in favor of a canvas top, which stows itself under the tonneau incorporating upholstered buttresses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2015

The New York Times reported a dramatic scene in 1921, when a pet Angora clamped down on the finger of a Manhattan woman who was riding in the tonneau of her husband’s car.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2012

Laura, Jess, Bobby, Nellie, and the Lockwood twins filled the tonneau comfortably.

From The Girls of Central High at Basketball The Great Gymnasium Mystery by Morrison, Gertrude W.