air conditioner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1 (Intermediate)Neutral to formal; technical in some specifications.
Quick answer
What does “air conditioner” mean?
A device that cools and dehumidifies air in a room or building.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that cools and dehumidifies air in a room or building.
Any system or machine that conditions air (cooling, heating, humidifying, dehumidifying, cleaning). In broader contexts, can refer metaphorically to anything that improves environmental comfort or atmosphere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'air conditioner'. British English sometimes uses 'air conditioning unit'. Spelling: 'conditioner' (both). Abbreviation 'A/C' more common in US.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. In UK, often associated with offices or cars more than homes historically, but home use is increasing.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to warmer climates in many regions, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “air conditioner” in a Sentence
install an air conditioner in [room]turn on/off the air conditionerset the air conditioner to [temperature]the air conditioner is running/workingan air conditioner with [features]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air conditioner” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to air-condition the server room.
- The newly air-conditioned library opened today.
American English
- They're going to air-condition the entire building.
- The car comes fully air-conditioned.
adjective
British English
- air-conditioned train
- air-conditioning engineer
American English
- air-conditioned hotel
- air-conditioning repair service
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
We need to upgrade the office air conditioner before summer.
Academic
The study examined energy consumption of inverter-type air conditioners.
Everyday
Could you please turn up the air conditioner? It's boiling in here.
Technical
The split-system air conditioner comprises an outdoor condenser and an indoor evaporator unit.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “air conditioner”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “air conditioner”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air conditioner”
- Misspelling as 'airconditioner' (should be two words or hyphenated: 'air-conditioner').
- Using 'air conditioner' as a verb ('I will air conditioner the room' – incorrect; use 'air-condition' as verb).
- Confusing 'air conditioner' (noun) with 'air conditioning' (uncountable noun: 'The air conditioning is broken').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two words: 'air conditioner'. The hyphenated form 'air-conditioner' is also acceptable, especially when used as a modifier (e.g., air-conditioner unit).
'Air conditioner' is a countable noun for the physical appliance. 'Air conditioning' is an uncountable noun referring to the system, process, or technology (e.g., 'The building has air conditioning').
No, the noun cannot be used as a verb. The verb form is 'to air-condition' (hyphenated). For example, 'We need to air-condition the office.'
The most common abbreviations are 'AC' and 'A/C'. 'A/C' is often seen in technical contexts or on appliance controls.
A device that cools and dehumidifies air in a room or building.
Air conditioner is usually neutral to formal; technical in some specifications. in register.
Air conditioner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə kənˌdɪʃ.ən.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer kənˌdɪʃ.ən.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be someone's personal air conditioner (humorous: to cool someone down by fanning or similar)”
- “Turn on the air conditioner (figurative: start cooling a tense situation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AIR you CONDITION to be cooler: An AIR CONDITIONER conditions the air to be cooler.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT; TECHNOLOGY IS A SHIELD AGAINST NATURE.
Practice
Quiz
Which is the correct full term for 'AC'?