a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and minute amounts of other gases that surrounds the earth and forms its atmosphere.

a stir in the atmosphere; a light breeze.

overhead space; sky

The planes filled the air.

circulation; publication; publicity

to give air to one's theories.

the general character or complexion of anything; appearance

His early work had an air of freshness and originality.

the peculiar look, appearance, and bearing of a person

There is an air of mystery about him.

airs, affected or unnatural manner; manifestation of pride or vanity; assumed haughtiness

He acquired airs that were insufferable to his friends.

Music .

a tune; melody.

the soprano or treble part.

an aria.

Also, ayre. an Elizabethan art song.

aircraft as a means of transportation

to arrive by air; to ship goods by air.

Informal . air conditioning or an air-conditioning system

The price includes tires, radio, and air.

Radio . the medium through which radio waves are transmitted.

Archaic . breath.

to expose to the air; give access to the open air; ventilate (often fol. by out )

We air the bedrooms every day.

to expose ostentatiously; bring to public notice; display

to air one's opinions; to air one's theories.

to broadcast or televise.

to be exposed to the open air (often fol. by out )

Open the window and let the room air out.

to be broadcast or televised.

operating by means of air pressure or by acting upon air

an air drill; an air pump.

of or pertaining to aircraft or to aviation

air industry.

taking place in the air; aerial

air war.

clear the air, to eliminate dissension, ambiguity, or tension from a discussion, situation

etc.

The staff meeting was intended to help clear the air.

get the air

Informal .

to be rejected, as by a lover.

to be dismissed, as by an employer

He had worked only a few days when he got the air.

give (someone) the air

Informal .

to reject, as a lover

He was bitter because she gave him the air.

to dismiss, as an employee.

in the air

in circulation; current

There's a rumor in the air that we're moving to a new location.

into thin air

completely out of sight or reach

He vanished into thin air.

off the air

not broadcasting

The station goes off the air at midnight.

not broadcast; out of operation as a broadcast

The program went off the air years ago.

(of a computer) not in operation.

on the air

in the act of broadcasting; being broadcast

The program will be going on the air in a few seconds.

(of a computer) in operation.

put on airs

to assume an affected or haughty manner

As their fortune increased, they began to put on airs.

take the air

to go out-of-doors; take a short walk or ride.

Slang . to leave, esp. hurriedly.

to begin broadcasting.

up in the air

Also, in the air. undecided or unsettled

The contract is still up in the air.

Informal . angry; perturbed

There is no need to get up in the air over a simple mistake.

walk or tread on air

to feel very happy; be elated.

verb

close up , hide , be quiet , suppress

noun

blast , breath , breeze , draft , heavens , ozone , puff , sky , stratosphere , troposphere , ventilation , waft , whiff , wind , zephyr , address , affectation , ambience , appearance , atmosphere , aura , bearing , comportment , demeanor , deportment , effect , feel , feeling , flavor , impression , look , manner , mannerism , mien , mood , pose , presence , property , quality , semblance , tone , aria , descant , lay , melody , song , strain , theme , firmament , heaven , blow , gust , ambiance , smell , style , affectedness , pretense , tune , exhalation , expiration , flatus , miasma , minauderie , nimbus

verb

aerate , aerify , air-condition , circulate , cool , eject , expel , expose , fan , open , oxygenate , purify , refresh , ventilate , broadcast , communicate , declare , disclose , display , disseminate , divulge , exhibit , make known , make public , proclaim , publicize , publish , put , reveal , speak , state , tell , utter , voice , wind , express , vent , arate , arify , affectation , agitated , aloft , appearance , aria , aura , broach , cachet , demeanor , deportment , flaunt , haughtiness , manner , melody , mien , semblance , song , tune , unsettled , vanity