air
noun
1. a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
- air pollution
- a smell of chemicals in the air
- open a window and let in some air
Definition categories: substance, gas
2. the region above the ground
- her hand stopped in mid air
- he threw the ball into the air
Definition categories: location, part, region
3. a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
- an air of mystery
- the house had a neglected air
Similar word(s): atmosphere, aura
Definition categories: attribute, quality
4. a slight wind (usually refreshing)
- as he waited he could feel the air on his neck
Similar word(s): breeze, zephyr
Definition categories: phenomenon, wind
5. the mass of air surrounding the Earth
- it was exposed to the air
Similar word(s): atmosphere
Definition categories: location, part, region
6. once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
Definition categories: substance, element
7. a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
- she was humming an air from Beethoven
Similar word(s): line, melody, strain, tune
Definition categories: communication, music
8. medium for radio and television broadcasting
- the program was on the air from 9 til midnight
- the president used the airwaves to take his message to the people
Similar word(s): airwave
Definition categories: communication, medium
9. travel via aircraft
- air travel involves too much waiting in airports
- if you've time to spare go by air
Similar word(s): aviation
Definition categories: act, travel, traveling, travelling
Sentences with air as a noun:
- The karate instructor said "air is the one thing you can't go five minutes without; when you spar, you have to remember to breathe."
- The flock of birds took to the air.
- There was a tension in the air which made me suspect an approaching storm.
- to give it an air of artistry and sophistication
- putting on airs
- Could you turn on the air?
- Hey, did you mean to leave the airs on all week while you were on vacation?
verb
1. expose to fresh air
Similar word(s): aerate
Definition categories: perception, expose
2. be broadcast
- This show will air Saturdays at 2 P.M.
Definition categories: communication
3. broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television
- We cannot air this X-rated song
Similar word(s): beam, broadcast, send, transmit
Definition categories: communication, air, bare, publicise, publicize
4. make public
- She aired her opinions on welfare
Similar word(s): bare, publicise, publicize
Definition categories: communication, tell
5. expose to warm or heated air, so as to dry
- Air linen
Definition categories: change, dry
6. expose to cool or cold air so as to cool or freshen
- air the old winter clothes
- air out the smoke-filled rooms
Similar word(s): vent, ventilate
Definition categories: change, freshen, refresh
Sentences with air as a verb:
- It's getting quite stuffy in this room: let's open the windows and air it.