Hood

nounStandard termAutomotive

The hinged metal or composite panel that covers the engine compartment of a vehicle.

The primary body panel protecting the engine bay from weather and debris while providing aerodynamic flow over the front of the vehicle. In British terminology, this word refers specifically to the folding fabric roof of a convertible, while the engine cover is called a bonnet.

Heard on the job

Pop the hood and let me check the transmission fluid while it's running.

Also heard as

  • bonnet