# air

/ˈɛɹ/ (US) · /ˈeə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/air
Updated: 2026-04-30

## Senses

### 1. the gas we breathe

noun · CEFR A1

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

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

- I stepped outside to get some fresh air after the long meeting.
- The high altitude meant the air was thin, making it difficult for the climbers to maintain their pace without supplemental oxygen.

### 2. the sky or open space

noun · CEFR A2

the space above the ground or the sky.

For teachers: the open space above the earth's surface.

- The birds flew high up in the air.
- The acrobat was tossed into the air, performing three perfect flips before being caught by her partner.

### 3. a person's manner

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He had an air of confidence that made everyone trust him.
- She walked into the boardroom with an air of quiet authority that immediately silenced the bickering executives.

### 4. a melody

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a simple tune or melody.

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

- The flautist played a traditional Irish air.
- The soprano performed a hauntingly beautiful air from the seventeenth century, accompanied only by a lute.

### 5. broadcast signal

noun · CEFR B1

the system used to send out radio or television signals.

For teachers: the medium through which radio and television signals are transmitted.

- The radio station went off the air due to a power cut.
- The interview was pulled from the air just minutes before it was scheduled to begin due to legal concerns.

### 6. to ventilate

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- Open the windows to air the room out after you finish painting.
- She hung the damp linens on the line to air them in the afternoon breeze.

### 7. to express publicly

verb · CEFR B2

to tell people your opinions or complaints.

For teachers: to make opinions, grievances, or ideas known to the public.

- The meeting gave employees a chance to air their concerns.
- The town hall meeting provided a forum for residents to air their grievances regarding the proposed highway expansion.

### 8. to broadcast

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- The final episode will air next Tuesday at 8 p.m.
- The documentary is set to air nationwide, reaching an estimated audience of five million viewers on its premiere night.

### 9. to ignore someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · British English

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

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

- I can't believe he aired my text for three days.
- After their argument at the party, she completely aired him on all social media platforms.

Teaching 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.

## Examples

- The mountain air is cold and fresh.
- The mechanic checked the tires to ensure they had enough air for the long drive.
- As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner, making it significantly more difficult for climbers to maintain their pace without supplemental oxygen tanks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.