English Reference
Noun

airflow

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɛɹfɫoʊ/ UK /ˈeəfləʊ/ air·flow UK spelling airflows

n.the movement of air, especially through a room or around a moving object.

n.the movement of air through a space or around a solid object, often in a controlled or directed manner.


SIMPLE

The open windows provide good airflow through the house.

CONTEXTUAL

Engineers designed the car's sleek body to improve airflow and reduce fuel consumption.

COMPLEX

Proper airflow is critical in data centres to prevent servers from overheating and to ensure the efficient operation of cooling systems.

Usage

Typically used in technical or functional contexts regarding ventilation or aerodynamics.

In flats which have windows on one side only, open doors and use a fan to encourage airflow.

BBC News· 22 Jun 2026

From air + flow.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated