open air

¹ American  

noun

1. the outdoors.

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open-air ² American  

[oh-puhn-air] / ˈoʊ pənˈɛər /

adjective

1. existing in, taking place in, or characteristic of the open air; outdoor.

   The orchestra gave three open-air concerts last summer.

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open air British  

noun

1. 1. the place or space where the air is unenclosed; the outdoors

   2. ( as modifier )

      an open-air concert

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Other Word Forms

• open-airish adjective
• open-airishness noun
• open-airness noun

Etymology

Origin of open air¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Origin of open-air²

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Anna, meanwhile, devotes herself to earth art, turning machine-lasered iron cutouts laid on white sheets in the open air into large-scale, rust-patterned pieces.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

A quarter—12 of 49—were confirmed to be autos with open air bag recalls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

The team identified two distinct kinds of amber: one formed underground near the roots of resin-producing plants, and another that developed in the open air.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2025

There are open air supermarkets in the area with fresh fruit and vegetables being displayed, leaving owners concern about the public health risk posed by the waste pile.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2025

Once they got there, Nathan opened the door and immediately several juicy, fat flies flew into the open air.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young