Word
airborne
Phoneticsair·borne, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌbɔɹn/
UK/ˈeəbɔːn/
Definitions
01in flight
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
adj. moving through the air, especially a plane that has just left the ground.
adj. describing an aircraft or projectile that is in flight or has successfully transitioned from the ground to the air.
“The pilot confirmed that the plane was safely airborne and heading north.”
“Once the aircraft became airborne, the flight crew began their standard ascent procedures to reach the designated cruising altitude.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb 'to be' or 'to become'.
02carried by air
B2 · Upper Intermediate Medicine Technical
adj. carried or spread through the air, like dust, seeds, or germs.
adj. transported or suspended by air currents; frequently used in medical contexts to describe the transmission of pathogens.
“The doctor explained that the virus is airborne, so you should wear a mask.”
“Public health officials expressed concern regarding the airborne transmission of the bacteria in poorly ventilated indoor environments.”
Usage
Often used before a noun like 'virus', 'pathogen', or 'particles'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03parachute soldiers
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. soldiers who are trained to jump out of planes into a battle.
n. military infantry units specifically trained for deployment via parachute or aircraft landing.
“He served in the airborne during the war and completed many jumps.”
“The airborne were dropped behind enemy lines under the cover of darkness to secure the bridge before the main force arrived.”
Usage
Often used as a collective noun or as a modifier in 'airborne division'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“But our data at the time couldn't clearly separate its effects from other airborne pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxide.” “They detected sharp, short-lived increases in both coarse and fine airborne particles throughout the event.” Etymology
Attested since the 1640s; air + -borne
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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