noun

airbrush

Airbrush (noun) means a small handheld tool that sprays paint using compressed air, used for fine artwork or photo retouching. Example: “The artist used an airbrush to blend the colors smoothly.”

noun

A small handheld tool that sprays paint using compressed air, used for fine artwork or photo retouching.

"The artist used an airbrush to blend the colors smoothly."

verb

To touch up or alter an image, often to hide flaws, making it look better than reality.

"The magazine was criticized for airbrushing the model's photo."

How to Use Airbrush

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA paint-spraying tool, or the act of digitally touching up a photo to hide imperfections.

Common pairings

airbrush technique airbrushed photo

Word Forms

airbrushed past tense, airbrushes plural, airbrushes singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “airbrush” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The artist used an _____ to blend the colors smoothly.

Etymology

From "air" plus "brush," referring to the tool's air-powered spraying action.

Rhymes for airbrush

hairbrush

See all rhymes for airbrush →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “airbrush” mean?

The word “airbrush” means a small handheld tool that sprays paint using compressed air, used for fine artwork or photo retouching. In plain terms, a paint-spraying tool, or the act of digitally touching up a photo to hide imperfections.

How do you use “airbrush” in a sentence?

Here is “airbrush” used in a sentence: “The artist used an airbrush to blend the colors smoothly.”

What part of speech is “airbrush”?

Depending on how it is used, “airbrush” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “airbrush” have?

“Airbrush” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small handheld tool that sprays paint using compressed air, used for fine artwork or photo retouching.