airbag

or air bag

[ air-bag ]

noun

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of airbag¹

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

Example Sentences

By increasing the deceleration rate of the vehicle, it could also cause your airbags to fire in situations they shouldn’t.

From Outside Online

The company has been working on wearable airbag systems for motorbikes.

From TechCrunch

Integrated in a vest, the airbag is completely autonomous and can detect crashes in 60 milliseconds.

From TechCrunch

The faulty switch could power down a car’s electrical system, including the airbags.

From Freakonomics

The formation cushions passengers earlier in impact than past models and keeps them cradled on the airbag during an off-center hit.

From Popular-Science

"Don't yew dare ter move er I'll bust a hole right plumb through that ther airbag of yourn," he said.

From Project Gutenberg