Added 1 October 2026
air
/ˈɛə̯/ symbol
In Latin: aer Wiktionary
symbol Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about air at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
noun
-
The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.
This drill runs on compressed air.
-
The substance of the atmosphere seen as an agency of freshness.
I'm going outside to get some air.
- One of the four elements of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
verb
-
To bring (something) into contact with the air, so as to freshen or dry it.
I'll hang these clothes on the rack to air them.
-
To let fresh air into (a room or a building), to ventilate.
It's getting quite stuffy in this room: let's open the windows and air it.
-
To make public (an opinion, concern, issue, secret, differences, etc); to present to public view (and sometimes discussion).
Residents used the public meeting to air their concerns about the poor state of the roads.
verb
- Pronunciation spelling of are.
Origin
From Middle English aire, from Old French air, from Latin āēr, from Ancient Greek ἀήρ (aḗr). Displaced native Old English lyft. More at lift, loft.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)