air right

American  

noun

1. a right of way in the air space above a property owner's land and the immovable property on it, subject to the public right of air navigation above the property at a legally prescribed altitude.

2. such a right sold or leased for use or occupation, especially on a support elevated above an immovable property, as for the erection of an office building over a railroad track.

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Etymology

Origin of air right

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

"Everything is up in the air right now, and that's the whole point. Everybody's walking on eggshells, not knowing what's going to happen."

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2025

I’m on the air right at the moment.

From Slate • Oct. 2, 2024

“Solar energy, rather than evaporating water from the ground or transpiring water from vegetation, heats the ground and ultimately the air right over it.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

“I think everything I’m hitting is in the air right now,” said Taylor, a versatile defender who has played shortstop, third base and left field this season.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2023

In between I dreamed that I was floating in the air, right up near the rafters of the room.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney