American English

How to pronounce air

noun · verbA2Very common word
EHR

/ɛɹ/

One syllable.

The invisible gas around Earth that people and animals breathe.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

The invisible gas around Earth that people and animals breathe.

We need fresh air in this room.

Fish cannot breathe air.

Good to know

When you mean the gas, air usually has no a/an: We need fresh air.

Common phrases & grammar

fresh air · clean air · polluted air · a breath of air

breathe + air

air + around + [someone/something]

noun

The space outside buildings, especially when you are outside instead of indoors.

Let's go outside and get some air.

The children played in the open air.

Common phrases & grammar

the open air · some fresh air · outdoor air

get + some + air

spend + time + in + the + open + air

noun

The broadcasting of a program on radio or television.

The show is on the air now.

The interview went on the air at noon.

Common phrases & grammar

on the air · live on air · airtime

be + on + the + air

[program] + go + on + the + air

nounformalless common

A quality or feeling that seems to surround a person or place.

She has an air of confidence.

The room had an air of mystery.

Common phrases & grammar

an air of confidence · an air of mystery · an air of calm

an + air + of + [quality]

[person/place] + have + an + air + of + [quality]

Useful expressions

get some air

to go outside for fresh air

I need to get some air after that meeting.

on the air

being broadcast on radio or television

The news is on the air at six.

up in the air

not decided or certain

Our travel plans are still up in the air.

Related words & forms