aerial

[air-ee-uhl, ey-eer-ee-uhl, air-ee-uhl]

adjective

1. of, in, or produced by the air.

   aerial currents.

2. inhabiting or frequenting the air.

   aerial creatures.

3. operating on a track or cable elevated above the ground.

   an aerial ski lift up the mountainside.

4. reaching far into the air; high; lofty.

   aerial spires.

5. partaking of the nature of air; airy.

6. unsubstantial; visionary.

   aerial fancies.

7. having a light and graceful beauty; ethereal.

   aerial music.

8. Biology.,  growing in the air, as the adventitious roots of some trees.

9. pertaining to or used for, against, or in aircraft.

10. supplied or performed by means of aircraft.

    aerial support; aerial reconnaissance.

noun

1. a radio or television antenna.

2. Football.,  forward pass.

aerial

/ ˈɛərɪəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling air

2. existing, occurring, moving, or operating in the air

   aerial cable car

   aerial roots of a plant

3. ethereal; light and delicate

4. imaginary; visionary

5. extending high into the air; lofty

6. of or relating to aircraft

   aerial combat

noun

1. Also called: antenna. the part of a radio or television system having any of various shapes, such as a dipole, Yagi, long-wire, or vertical aerial, by means of which radio waves are transmitted or received

Other Word Forms

• aerially adverb
• aerialness noun
• superaerial adjective
• superaerially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerial¹

1595–1605; 1900–05 aerial for def. 11; < Latin āeri ( us ) of the air (< Greek āérios, equivalent to āer- (stem of āḗr air ¹ ) + -ios adj. suffix) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerial¹

C17: via Latin from Greek aērios, from aēr air

Example Sentences

England international Smith, making his first appearance since the British and Irish Lions tour, ran in Quins' opening try and directed the aerial assault that ended the visitors' perfect league record.

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In North America, a conflict would likely be aerial and maritime.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Kremlin has escalated aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and rail systems over recent weeks, building on earlier bombing campaigns over the previous three winters that left millions without heating in frigid temperatures.

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Around 700,000 people from Gaza City and the north were displaced by the Israeli offensive, which saw intense aerial bombardment and the entry of troops into some neighbourhoods.

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But the scale of Russia’s aerial attacks in recent months has made it difficult for Ukraine to respond, and reduced its supplies of precious air-defense interceptors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal