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

The airbrushed apron said so in a neon.yellow-and-green font against a black background that matched the sign.

From Literature

But some industry professionals said its use of AI went too far, making graphics feel airbrushed and hollow.

From BBC

You find yourself in your kitchen holding a pint of strawberries that look airbrushed, but taste like wet air.

From Salon

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the artistic spectrum is Andrew J. Park, whose airbrush paintings at Anthony Gallery blend surrealism, nostalgia and outdated technology with cutting-edge digital advances.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

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

From Barron's