air
EH-uh
Air (noun) means the mixture of gases that makes up Earth's atmosphere, which we breathe. Example: “She took a deep breath of fresh mountain air.”
noun
1
The mixture of gases that makes up Earth's atmosphere, which we breathe.
"She took a deep breath of fresh mountain air."
"Open a window to let some air into the room."
"Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen."
2
A particular quality, feeling, or manner someone or something has.
"He answered with an air of confidence."
"The old house had an air of mystery that fascinated the children."
"She walked into the room with an air of calm authority."
3
Television or radio broadcasting.
"The show went off the air after five seasons."
"Our local radio station has been on the air since I was a child."
"The presenter was nervous because they were going on air in two minutes."
verb
1
To broadcast something on television or radio.
"The interview will air tonight at nine."
"The channel will air the final episode of the series next Sunday."
"Radio stations often air traffic reports during the morning rush hour."
2
To make an opinion, complaint, or secret known publicly.
"They aired their grievances at the meeting."
"She used the staff meeting to air her concerns about the new schedule."
"Newspapers aired the secret plans before the company could make an announcement."
3
To expose something to fresh air in order to freshen or dry it.
"Hang the coat outside to air it out."
"Open the windows each morning to air the bedrooms before making the beds."
"We hung the damp towels on the line to air in the sunshine."
How to use air
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often the gas we breathe, but also used for a personal quality, or for broadcasting on TV/radio.
Common pairings
fresh air
on the air
air grievances
air of mystery
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Word forms
- Plural
- airs
- Third person singular
- airs
- Past tense
- aired
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She took a deep breath of fresh mountain _____.
Etymology
From Old French air, from Latin aer, from Ancient Greek aer.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for air
See all rhymes for air →Frequently asked questions
What does “air” mean?
The word “air” means the mixture of gases that makes up Earth's atmosphere, which we breathe. In plain terms, most often the gas we breathe, but also used for a personal quality, or for broadcasting on TV/radio.
How do you pronounce “air”?
“Air” is pronounced EH-uh (/ˈɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “air” in a sentence?
Here is “air” used in a sentence: “She took a deep breath of fresh mountain air.”
What is another word for “air”?
Words with a similar meaning to “air” include atmosphere, aura, luft, gas and nimbus.
What part of speech is “air”?
Depending on how it is used, “air” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “air” come from?
The word “air” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French air, from Latin aer, from Ancient Greek aer.
Is “air” a common word?
“Air” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “air” have?
“Air” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the mixture of gases that makes up Earth's atmosphere, which we breathe.
What is the difference between air and oxygen?
Air is a mixture of many gases, while oxygen is just one of them. Air is roughly 78% nitrogen and only about 21% oxygen, with small amounts of argon, carbon dioxide and water vapour. So we breathe air to get the oxygen our bodies need, but the two words are not interchangeable.
What is air made of?
Air is a mixture of gases. By volume it is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with the remaining 1% made up of argon, carbon dioxide, tiny traces of other gases, and a variable amount of water vapour. This blend is what surrounds the planet and sustains most living things.
Does air have weight?
Yes. Although it feels like nothing, air is made of matter and has mass, so it has weight. The atmosphere presses down on us as air pressure, which we notice most clearly when it changes, for example when our ears pop as we climb or descend quickly.
Is air a compound or a mixture?
Air is a mixture, not a compound. Its gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen and argon, are simply blended together and are not chemically bonded, so their proportions can vary slightly from place to place. Because it is a mixture, the components can be separated by physical means such as cooling and distillation.
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