adjective
flying through the air, rather than being on the ground
The plane was airborne within minutes.
The balloon stayed airborne all night.
Common phrases & grammar
become airborne
remain airborne
American English
How to pronounce airborne
adjectiveB2
EHRborn
/ˈɛɹˌbɔɹn/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
flying through the air, rather than being on the ground
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
adjective
carried through the air, especially as dust, smoke, or other small particles
The fire sent airborne particles into the room.
Airborne dust can irritate your eyes.
Common phrases & grammar
airborne dust · airborne particles · airborne pollutants
airborne + noun
become airborne
adjective
spread through the air, especially an infection or disease
Measles is an airborne disease.
The mask helps prevent airborne infections.
Common phrases & grammar
airborne virus · airborne infection · airborne disease
an airborne + noun
adjectivetechnicalless common
related to soldiers or military units trained to enter a battle from aircraft or by parachute
The airborne unit landed behind enemy lines.
She joined an airborne division.
Common phrases & grammar
airborne troops · airborne unit · airborne division
airborne + noun