air hug

[ air huhg ]

noun

1. the gesture of extending one’s arms as if to embrace another person (used as a greeting or expression of affection without physical contact when a physical hug is not possible or not appropriate).

verb (used with or without object)

1. to greet or express affection for (someone) in this way:

   With mask and gloves on, Nicole and I air hugged from a safe distance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air hug¹

First recorded in 2005–10