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air

US //ˈɛɹ// UK //ˈeə// air
  1. 1 the gas we breathe (n.)
    A1 Beginner Science

    the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and that we breathe.

    the gaseous substance constituting the Earth's atmosphere, primarily nitrogen and oxygen. Uncountable in this general sense.

    Example

    I stepped outside to get some fresh air after the long meeting.

    Example

    The high altitude meant the air was thin, making it difficult for the climbers to maintain their pace without supplemental oxygen.
  2. 2 the sky or open space (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the space above the ground or the sky.

    the open space above the earth's surface.

    Example

    The birds flew high up in the air.

    Example

    The acrobat was tossed into the air, performing three perfect flips before being caught by her partner.
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  1. 3 a person's manner (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way a person looks or behaves that gives a certain impression.

    the outward appearance, manner, or carriage of a person, or the character of a place.

    Example

    He had an air of confidence that made everyone trust him.

    Example

    She walked into the boardroom with an air of quiet authority that immediately silenced the bickering executives.
  2. 4 a melody (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Music

    a simple tune or melody.

    a rhythmic sequence of single notes; a melody or song, often a solo.

    Example

    The flautist played a traditional Irish air.

    Example

    The soprano performed a hauntingly beautiful air from the seventeenth century, accompanied only by a lute.
  3. 5 broadcast signal (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the system used to send out radio or television signals.

    the medium through which radio and television signals are transmitted.

    Example

    The radio station went off the air due to a power cut.

    Example

    The interview was pulled from the air just minutes before it was scheduled to begin due to legal concerns.
  4. 6 to ventilate (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to let fresh air into a room or to dry clothes outside.

    to expose something to the open air for the purpose of freshening, drying, or ventilating.

    Example

    Open the windows to air the room out after you finish painting.

    Example

    She hung the damp linens on the line to air them in the afternoon breeze.
  5. 7 to express publicly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to tell people your opinions or complaints.

    to make opinions, grievances, or ideas known to the public.

    Example

    The meeting gave employees a chance to air their concerns.

    Example

    The town hall meeting provided a forum for residents to air their grievances regarding the proposed highway expansion.
  6. 8 to broadcast (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to show a programme on television or play it on the radio.

    to transmit a programme by radio or television. Can be used transitively or intransitively.

    Example

    The final episode will air next Tuesday at 8 p.m.

    Example

    The documentary is set to air nationwide, reaching an estimated audience of five million viewers on its premiere night.
  7. 9 to ignore someone (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang British English

    to ignore someone on purpose, especially by not replying to their messages.

    to intentionally ignore a person, particularly by failing to respond to digital communication.

    Example

    I can't believe he aired my text for three days.

    Example

    After their argument at the party, she completely aired him on all social media platforms.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is specific to Multicultural London English (MLE) and youth slang; it may not be understood by older speakers or those outside the UK.
Idioms24 entries

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