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

In total, five people from the Sea Story were rescued by divers, including a Swiss man and a Finnish woman who had survived in another air pocket inside their cabin on the lower deck.

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

The cupped hands provide a tiny air pocket.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

I tried a bunch of times, but there was always an air pocket I couldn't get out.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir