air pocket

American  

noun

1. (not in technical use) a nearly vertical air current that can cause an aircraft to experience a sudden change in altitude, usually a decrease.

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air pocket British  

noun

1. a localized region of low air density or a descending air current, causing an aircraft to suffer an abrupt decrease in height

2. any pocket of air that prevents the flow of a liquid or gas, as in a pipe

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Etymology

Origin of air pocket

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Whenever the message left the faithful underwhelmed, the stocks hit an air pocket and fell.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Spending 35 hours trapped in a pitch-black air pocket in the upturned hull of a boat has taken its toll on Lucianna Galetta, her voice cracking as she recounts her ordeal.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

Somehow, before his arms became completely sealed up in snow, he punched a small air pocket in front of his face.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2024

During avalanche-survival training, instructors tell students the first thing they must do is create an air pocket around their mouth.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2023

“She won’t. I’m sure of that. She’s at that falls right now, climbing up a cascade or sitting in an air pocket under an overshoot.”

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George