airbag

or air bag

[ air-bag ]

/ ˈɛərˌbæg /

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noun

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

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

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Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of airbag

First recorded in 1965–70; air¹ + bag

Words nearby airbag

AIP, air, air alert, air arm, air attaché, airbag, air ball, air base, air battery, air bed, air bell

How to use airbag in a sentence

By increasing the deceleration rate of the vehicle, it could also cause your airbags to fire in situations they shouldn’t.
The Best Way to Add Driving Lights to a Normal Car|Wes Siler|January 26, 2021|Outside Online
The company has been working on wearable airbag systems for motorbikes.
In&motion raises $12 million for its wearable airbag systems|Romain Dillet|December 11, 2020|TechCrunch
Integrated in a vest, the airbag is completely autonomous and can detect crashes in 60 milliseconds.
In&motion raises $12 million for its wearable airbag systems|Romain Dillet|December 11, 2020|TechCrunch
The faulty switch could power down a car’s electrical system, including the airbags.
Is it Too Late for General Motors to Go Electric? (Ep. 442)|Stephen J. Dubner|December 3, 2020|Freakonomics

The formation cushions passengers earlier in impact than past models and keeps them cradled on the airbag during an off-center hit.
The 100 greatest innovations of 2020|Popular Science Staff|December 2, 2020|Popular-Science
"Don't yew dare ter move er I'll bust a hole right plumb through that ther airbag of yourn," he said.
The Boy Inventors' Radio Telephone|Richard Bonner

British Dictionary definitions for airbag

air bag

noun

a safety device in a car, consisting of a bag that inflates automatically in an accident and prevents the passengers from being thrown forwards

one of a number of large inflatable bags comprising part of a spacecraft's landing system, enabling the craft to come to rest through a series of bounces

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012