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"
"I need some fresh air"
a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
"an air of mystery"
"the house had a neglected air"
"an atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate's headquarters"
"the place had an aura of romance"
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
"the breeze was cooled by the lake"
"as he waited he could feel the air on his neck"
the mass of air surrounding the Earth
"there was great heat as the comet entered the atmosphere"
"it was exposed to the air"
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
"Ancient philosophers like Empedocles believed that air was a fundamental element of the cosmos, just as they did with earth, water, and fire."
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
"she was humming an air from Beethoven"
travel via aircraft
"air travel involves too much waiting in airports"
"if you've time to spare go by air"
The substance constituting earth's atmosphere
"The heavy fog made it difficult to see through the air outside my window."
understood as one of the four elements of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
"The poet described the soul's journey as a return to its elemental roots, ascending from earth and water until it merged with the boundless air above."
In plain English: Air is the invisible mixture of gases that surrounds us and fills the space around the Earth.
"The fresh morning air felt amazing after running outside."
Usage: Use "air" as a noun to refer to the invisible mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and fills the space around us. It is commonly used in phrases like "fresh air" or "out of breath" to describe this natural element.
To bring (something) into contact with the air, so as to freshen or dry it.
"I hung my damp jacket outside in the sun to let the fresh air dry it out quickly."
In plain English: To air something means to talk about it openly so everyone can hear what you are saying.
"She decided to air her concerns about the project during the meeting."
Usage: Use the verb air when you expose clothes, linens, or other items to open outdoor space in order to freshen them or remove moisture. For example, you would say to "air out" a room by opening windows or to "air" laundry on a line during dry weather.
The word "air" entered English from the Old French air, which came from the Latin āēr and ultimately the Ancient Greek aḗr. This borrowing replaced the native Old English word lyft, which is related to modern words like "lift" and "loft."