airborne

[air-bawrn, -bohrn]

adjective

1. carried by the air, as pollen or dust.

2. in flight; aloft.

   The plane was airborne by six o'clock.

3. Military.,  (of ground forces) carried in airplanes or gliders: abn

   airborne infantry.

4. Aeronautics.,  (of an aircraft) supported entirely by the atmosphere; flying.

airborne

/ ˈɛəˌbɔːn /

adjective

1. conveyed by or through the air

2. (of aircraft) flying; in the air

Word History and Origins

Origin of airborne¹

First recorded in 1635–45; air ¹ + borne ¹

Example Sentences

The refinery’s air monitors detected a spike in airborne chemicals after the fire broke out, but air district officials say conditions returned to normal levels after a few hours.

From Los Angeles Times

She said her only concern had been the airborne toxins that the refinery may release into the air.

From Los Angeles Times

In one scene, Gere’s character empties his closet and tosses his wardrobe on the bed in an airborne fashion show of Armani’s line.

From Los Angeles Times

There were new underwater and airborne drones that can spy on targets.

From BBC

In rare cases, they can spread diseases not usually considered airborne.

From BBC

Related Words

• aerial 
• floating 
• soaring