airbag

American  

[air-bag] / ˈɛərˌbæg /

Or air bag

noun

• airbags
  plural

1. a bag mounted in the interior of a motor vehicle, cushioning the seat occupant by inflating automatically in the event of collision.

2. a very large inflatable safety or cushioning device, as to protect a spacecraft during a landing.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• airbags
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of airbag

First recorded in 1965–70; air ¹ ( def. ) + bag ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

airbag airbags

Deployment doesn’t just unleash the airbag; it also deploys the car’s supplemental restraint system, the entire airbag system.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

Sure, you could argue that had the crash been worse, the airbag would have been deployed, resulting in another $1,000 in costs.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

In her crash last Sunday, Vonn’s airbag deployed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 15, 2026

DNA traces were discovered on the airbag – and became the conclusive proof that Challis was at the wheel at the time of the crash.

From BBC ● Nov. 25, 2025

Akira pushed her airbag out of the way.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

By the turn of the century, such devices were ubiquitous, joining airbags and antilock breaks as standard safety features.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

And, yes, airbags can make a car far more expensive to repair, even when the visible damage looks relatively minor.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

Autoliv stock jumps after the maker of airbags and seatbelts backs its full-year guidance.

From Barron's ● Apr. 17, 2026

"Manufacturers have had to do things like improve structural crash protection, and fit more airbags," agrees David Leggett.

From BBC ● Dec. 2, 2025

Akira’s dad clawed at the airbags that surrounded him, trying to see.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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