airbrush

American  

[air-bruhsh] / ˈɛərˌbrʌʃ /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of airbrush

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

Example Sentences

"He was quite clear that his imagery and style both come from Birmingham where he learned an airbrush technique which you see in his paintings for his whole career," Millington explained.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

He was also a steely, secretive poser who worked overtime to airbrush his image.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Vekiarides said the public has set itself up for the wave of deepfakes by accepting the widespread use of image manipulation tools, such as the photo editors that virtually airbrush the imperfections from magazine-cover photos.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 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