ENGLISH
REFERENCE

airborne

adj. · n.
US //ˈɛɹˌbɔɹn// UK //ˈeəbɔːn// air·borne
  1. 1 in flight (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    moving through the air, especially a plane that has just left the ground.

    describing an aircraft or projectile that is in flight or has successfully transitioned from the ground to the air.

    Example

    The pilot confirmed that the plane was safely airborne and heading north.

    Example

    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'.
  2. 2 carried by air (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    carried or spread through the air, like dust, seeds, or germs.

    transported or suspended by air currents; frequently used in medical contexts to describe the transmission of pathogens.

    Example

    The doctor explained that the virus is airborne, so you should wear a mask.

    Example

    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'.
    • waterborne
    • soil borne
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 parachute soldiers (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    soldiers who are trained to jump out of planes into a battle.

    military infantry units specifically trained for deployment via parachute or aircraft landing.

    Example

    He served in the airborne during the war and completed many jumps.

    Example

    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'.
Origin

Attested since the 1640s; air + -borne

© 2026 English Reference