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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of air pocket

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

air pocket

Amid a sense of unease that tech-stock prices have risen too far, too fast—and general concerns about massive AI spending—it wouldn’t take much for the Nasdaq 100 to hit an air pocket.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

The cylinder will be placed inside a metallic bell that leaves an air pocket that is supposed to keep moisture out of the inner chamber.

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

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

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

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir