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air
/ɛər/
invisible gas mixture
We need fresh air in this room.
The room requires ventilation to improve air quality.
formal
The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
Birds fly in the air.
Birds move through the atmosphere.
Often used metaphorically to describe a feeling or mood (e.g., 'There was an air of excitement').
music
A melody or tune.
She hummed an air from the opera.
She sang a short melody without lyrics.
Common in classical music contexts.
formal
To expose to the open air; to ventilate.
He aired the room by opening the windows.
He improved the room's ventilation by letting fresh air in.
Often used in domestic or environmental contexts.
Technology
media
To broadcast on radio or television.
The show will air at 8 PM.
The program will be broadcast live at 8 PM.
Common in broadcasting terminology.
Collocations
fresh airclean, outdoor airon the aircurrently being broadcastair qualitycleanliness of the surrounding atmosphere
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Air vs. Airs
Use 'air' for the physical substance or a tune. Use 'airs' (plural) to describe pretentious behavior (e.g., 'She puts on airs').
Gold Rule
Countable vs. Uncountable
The noun 'air' is uncountable unless referring to a melody (e.g., 'a catchy air').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'eir', from Old French 'air' (14th century), from Latin 'aer', from Greek 'ἀήρ' (aḗr), meaning 'mist, haze, air'. The verb sense 'to broadcast' emerged in the 20th century with the rise of radio.
Usage Notes
The noun 'air' is uncountable in most contexts (e.g., 'We need air to breathe'). The verb 'air' can take objects (e.g., 'air the sheets'). In music, 'air' often refers to a vocal or instrumental melody.
Word Breakdown
air
the substance itself
rootEnglish Dictionary