airbag

American  

[air-bag] / ˈɛərˌbæg /

Or air bag

noun

• airbags
  plural

1. a bag mounted in the interior of a motor vehicle, cushioning the seat occupant by inflating automatically in the event of collision.

2. a very large inflatable safety or cushioning device, as to protect a spacecraft during a landing.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• airbags
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of airbag

First recorded in 1965–70; air ¹ ( def. ) + bag ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

airbag airbags

Sure, you could argue that had the crash been worse, the airbag would have been deployed, resulting in another $1,000 in costs.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

The airbag issue is a bit of a MacGuffin.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

It’s the genre equivalent of an airbag that deploys already half-deflated.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

Crucially, officers knew there was a good chance that whoever was at the wheel at the time of the crash might have come into contact with the driver's side airbag as it activated.

From BBC ● Nov. 25, 2025

Akira pushed her airbag out of the way.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

And, yes, airbags can make a car far more expensive to repair, even when the visible damage looks relatively minor.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 13, 2026

Autoliv stock jumps after the maker of airbags and seatbelts backs its full-year guidance.

From Barron's ● Apr. 17, 2026

The Swedish maker of airbags and safety belts said Friday that it continues to carefully monitor the developments while preparing for various scenarios, including different mitigation strategies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

The crash caused severe front end damage to the sedan and activated its airbags, video from news-gathering agency OnScene shows.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 9, 2026

Akira’s dad clawed at the airbags that surrounded him, trying to see.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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