airbrush

[ air-bruhsh ]

noun

1. an atomizer for spraying paint.

verb (used with object)

1. to paint or decorate, using an airbrush:

   to airbrush murals; to airbrush silk kimonos.

2. to remove or alter by or as by means of an airbrush:

   to airbrush facial lines from a photograph.

3. to prettify or sanitize:

   airbrushed versions of modern history.

airbrush

/ ˈɛəˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. an atomizer for spraying paint or varnish by means of compressed air

verb

1. to paint or varnish (something) by using an airbrush
2. to improve the image of (a person or thing) by concealing defects beneath a bland exterior

   an airbrushed version of the government's record

Word History and Origins

Origin of airbrush¹

First recorded in 1885–90; air ¹ + brush ¹

Example Sentences

The job of an airbrush painter is part graffiti artist and part sketch artist.

From Washington Post

A couple of years ago, he bought out a competitor and acquired his first store dedicated to airbrush art.

From Washington Post

An airbrush artist can make $2,000 in sales that day, compared to $800 any other day.

From Washington Post

He even flew down to Florida in an attempt to lure back one former worker especially skilled with the airbrush gun.

From Washington Post

Leave it to former House speaker John Boehner to drop the airbrush.

From Washington Post