# airborne

/ˈɛɹˌbɔɹn/ (US) · /ˈeəbɔːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airborne
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. in flight

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. carried by air

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. parachute soldiers

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The plane is finally airborne after a short delay.
- Health officials warned that the virus is airborne, meaning it can spread easily in crowded indoor spaces.
- Once the paratroopers were airborne, the mission commander provided a final briefing on the drop zone coordinates and the expected wind conditions at the target site.

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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.