airbrush

American  

[air-bruhsh] / ˈɛərˌbrʌʃ /

noun

1. an atomizer for spraying paint.

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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 British  

/ ˈɛəˌbrʌʃ /

noun

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of airbrush

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

Example Sentences

On the emerging side of the artistic spectrum is Andrew J. Park, whose airbrush paintings at Anthony Gallery blend surrealism, nostalgia and outdated technology with cutting-edge digital advances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

"We cannot airbrush French Jews out of the republic's family photo".

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

And we used a cream for the hands, which was slightly different to the face, which was in an alcoholic airbrush sort of material.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

They are then covered in chocolate ganache and modelling chocolate, before an airbrush pen is used to sculpt the characters.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2024

Working in both oil and acrylic, she has experimented with different ways of applying and adjusting paint, sometimes using a silicone dish sponge, other times creatively wielding an airbrush.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2024