over-the-air
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of over-the-air
First recorded in 1970–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The authority’s approval was significant because Paramount owns CBS News, children’s channel Nickelodeon and Channel 5, one of the largest over-the-air television broadcasters in the United Kingdom.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
But the NFL makes the case that it offers 87% of its games on free over-the-air television than any other major sport.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
And unlike leagues such as MLB and the NBA, where the majority of games air on cable via regional sports networks, most NFL games are available on free over-the-air channels.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
The Model S also introduced several features that would become Tesla staples, including large computer screens, over-the-air software updates and controversial door handles.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 29, 2026
Rivian will fix the issue with an over-the-air software update and inspect the parts free of charge.
From Barron's ● Dec. 3, 2025
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.