air cushion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (low-frequency technical/engineering term; the everyday object sense is more common but still specialized).Specialized/Terminological. The physical object sense is used in general and commercial contexts. The engineering sense is technical.
Quick answer
What does “air cushion” mean?
A container or device filled with air that provides soft, cushioned support to reduce pressure or absorb shock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A container or device filled with air that provides soft, cushioned support to reduce pressure or absorb shock.
1. A cushion-like bag inflated with air. 2. (Engineering) A layer of pressurized air supporting a vehicle or object (e.g., a hovercraft). 3. (Aerospace/Hydrodynamics) A pocket of compressed air that forms under a moving vehicle or craft, reducing friction or impact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'cushion' not 'cushin').
Connotations
In technical/engineering contexts (e.g., hovercraft, air-ride suspension), connotations are identical.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. Possibly slightly more common in UK English due to historical prominence of hovercraft development.
Grammar
How to Use “air cushion” in a Sentence
[verb] + air cushion: ride on/over an air cushion[noun] + of air cushion: principle/effect/technology of air cushion[adjective] + air cushion: inflatable/auxiliary/pneumatic air cushionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air cushion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The craft is designed to air-cushion over marshy terrain.
- The new packaging system air-cushions the products during transit.
American English
- The vehicle air-cushions over the water's surface.
- This technology air-cushions the ride for greater comfort.
adverb
British English
- The sled moved air-cushioningly smoothly over the ice.
American English
- The platform floats almost air-cushioningly above the ground.
adjective
British English
- They offer an air-cushioned sole in their running trainers.
- The hovercraft is an air-cushion vehicle.
American English
- These air-cushioned insoles relieve foot pain.
- We toured the bay on an air-cushion craft.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing, logistics (e.g., 'air-cushioned packaging'), and transportation sectors.
Academic
Used in physics and engineering papers discussing fluid dynamics, vehicle design, or shock absorption.
Everyday
Refers to an inflatable pillow or seat cushion for comfort (e.g., for camping or nursing).
Technical
Precise term in mechanical/aerospace engineering for a system using pressurized air for lift or suspension.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air cushion”
- Using 'air cushion' interchangeably with 'airbag' (safety device in cars).
- Confusing 'air cushion' (noun) with 'air-cushioned' (adjective).
- Misspelling as 'air cushon'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An 'airbag' is a car safety device that inflates rapidly in a crash. An 'air cushion' is generally a static, pre-inflated cushion or a continuous layer of air for support/levitation.
Yes, in technical language (e.g., 'to air-cushion a ride'). It means to support or protect using a cushion of air.
Referring to an inflatable seat cushion or pillow used for comfort, often in medical, travel, or outdoor contexts.
In hovercrafts (ACVs - Air Cushion Vehicles) and some types of vehicle suspension systems, where a pressurized air layer reduces friction with the surface.
A container or device filled with air that provides soft, cushioned support to reduce pressure or absorb shock.
Air cushion is usually specialized/terminological. the physical object sense is used in general and commercial contexts. the engineering sense is technical. in register.
Air cushion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə ˌkʊʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer ˌkʊʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; used literally.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AIR (what you breathe) making a CUSHION (soft pillow) float or bounce.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A LAYER OF AIR (abstracting physical support to a fluid, dynamic medium).
Practice
Quiz
In an engineering context, what is the PRIMARY function of an air cushion?