Phrasal verb
air out
Definition
phrasal verb. to let fresh air into a room or onto clothes to get rid of bad smells. You do this by opening windows or hanging things outside.
phrasal verb. To expose a space or object to fresh air in order to eliminate odours or dampness. Transitive; the object can be placed between the verb and the particle.
Examples
“I need to air out the bedroom.”
“After the party, we opened all the windows to air out the living room and remove the smell of smoke.”
“The conservators recommended that the antique textiles be aired out in a climate-controlled environment to prevent the accumulation of volatile organic compounds.”
Examples
simple
“I need to air out the bedroom.”
contextual
“After the party, we opened all the windows to air out the living room and remove the smell of smoke.”
complex
“The conservators recommended that the antique textiles be aired out in a climate-controlled environment to prevent the accumulation of volatile organic compounds.”
Usage
Commonly used with rooms, garments, or bedding to remove stale smells.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'ventilate', which is more technical; 'air out' is the standard phrasal verb for domestic contexts.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
air + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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