WordGarden.ioair
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈeə/
US
- /ˈɛr/
Meanings
Noun
the invisible gas around the earth that people and animals breathe
a distinctive manner, bearing, or overall impression
a tune or melody
Verb
to broadcast a program on radio, television, or online
to express something publicly or openly discuss it
to expose a room, clothes, or bedding to fresh air
Beyond the definition
We often think of air as simply what fills our lungs with life-giving oxygen, but it is so much more! It is the invisible blanket surrounding Earth—the atmosphere—filtering much of the Sun’s harmful radiation and helping regulate temperature. Air can refer to open or unoccupied space, like "the air above the clouds" or tossing a ball into the air. It can also describe a mood or feeling, such as when "there was a sense of unease in the air."
A musician might play a lively air (a tune) on their instrument, and sailors once used sails to catch the wind (moving air) to propel their ships. Think about blowing air into a balloon or feeling the cool air on your face. You can even say plans are "up in the air," meaning they are uncertain! From the wind rustling through trees to the vast sky above us, air is everywhere and essential to life as we know it.
Air is the mixture of gases surrounding Earth, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, that sustains life. It is a fundamental element for breathing, combustion, and countless natural processes. We often take it for granted, but without air, our planet would be a very different place. "The air was thick with humidity after the rain."
But "air" isn't always about the atmosphere. The word can also describe an open or empty space. Think of the air between buildings in a city, or the air flowing around an airplane’s wings. It can even refer to a particular feeling or mood surrounding a person or place—"there was an air of mystery surrounding the old house."
Historically, "air" has been used in musical contexts as well. A simple, tuneful melody is often called an air, and musicians might compose one for the flute or violin. Sailors historically relied on the air—the wind—to fill their sails and navigate the seas.
Figuratively, "up in the air" means uncertain or undecided: "Our vacation plans are still up in the air." You can also use the word to describe a manner or style; someone might have an "affected air," meaning they are trying to appear more important or sophisticated than they really are.
So whether it's the breath we take, the space around us, a musical tune, or a projected attitude, "air" is a versatile word with roots in our physical world that extend into abstract concepts.
Examples
- 1
Fresh air
Open the window and let some fresh air in.
- 2
Short break
I need to step outside and get some air.
- Phraseget some air
go outside for a short time, especially to feel better
- 3
Shipping
We usually send small packages by air.
- Phraseby air
by plane
- 4
Atmosphere
There was a feeling of excitement in the air before the concert started.
- Phrasein the air
easy to feel all around
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Broadcasting
The presenter is off the air this week.
- Phraseoff the air
not broadcasting on radio or TV
- 6
TV schedule
The final episode airs on Friday night.
- 7
Workplace meeting
He finally aired his concerns at the team meeting.
- Patternair + concerns/views
say them openly
- 8
Personal manner
She walked into the room with an air of quiet confidence.
- Patternan air of + quality
a noticeable feeling or quality
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- airnounverb
Forms
- airedpast tenseverbnoun
- airing-ing formverbnoun
- airspluralnounverb