# airplay

/ˈeəpleɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airplay
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the amount of time a radio or television station plays a specific song or show. You use this word when talking about how much a track is heard by the public.

For teachers: the amount of time a specific song or programme is broadcast on a radio or television station. Often used to describe the commercial success of a track based on its frequency of broadcast.

## Examples

- The new single received a lot of airplay on local radio.
- The band's latest album gained significant airplay after a popular DJ played it during a live concert.
- Despite limited marketing, the track achieved massive airplay across several regional stations, eventually charting in the top ten without any official promotion.

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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.