adjective
Uncommon
airborne
Airborne (adjective) means Flying, or carried through the air. Example: “Within seconds the plane was airborne.”
adjective
1
Flying, or carried through the air.
"A farmer could place an order for a new tractor part by text message and pay for it by mobile money-transfer. A supplier many miles away would then take the part to the local matternet station for airborne dispatch via drone."
— , An internet of airborne things (2012)
"Airborne pollen can aggravate allergies."
"Within seconds the plane was airborne."
"The virus can spread through airborne droplets."
"The kite stayed airborne for almost an hour in the strong breeze."
How to use airborne
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn the air, whether flying or simply being carried by it, like a virus or dust.
Common pairings
airborne disease
airborne troops
become airborne
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Word forms
- Plural
- airbornes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Within seconds the plane was _____.
Etymology
Attested since the 1640s, from "air" plus "-borne" ("carried").
Class of 1640
airborne joined the language around 1640.
See the full Class of 1640 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for airborne
See all rhymes for airborne →Frequently asked questions
What does “airborne” mean?
The word “airborne” means flying, or carried through the air. In plain terms, in the air, whether flying or simply being carried by it, like a virus or dust.
How do you use “airborne” in a sentence?
Here is “airborne” used in a sentence: “Within seconds the plane was airborne.”
What part of speech is “airborne”?
“Airborne” is an adjective.
Where does the word “airborne” come from?
The word “airborne” dates back to around 1640. Attested since the 1640s, from "air" plus "-borne" ("carried").
Is “airborne” a common word?
“Airborne” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between airborne and flying?
"Airborne" describes something currently in the air or carried through it, including passively drifting things like dust, pollen, or disease particles, while "flying" implies active, controlled movement through the air, typically by an aircraft or bird. Something can be airborne without flying under its own power.
Can airborne describe diseases or particles?
Yes, "airborne" is commonly used for diseases, viruses, or particles that spread through the air, as in "an airborne illness" or "airborne pollen."
What is the difference between airborne and aerial?
"Airborne" typically describes the state of being carried or suspended in the air, while "aerial" more often describes something related to or performed in the air, such as "aerial photography," without necessarily meaning currently in flight.
