air jacket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencySpecialised/Technical
Quick answer
What does “air jacket” mean?
A lifejacket or buoyancy aid for water safety, designed to be inflated by mouth or with a gas cylinder in an emergency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lifejacket or buoyancy aid for water safety, designed to be inflated by mouth or with a gas cylinder in an emergency.
A personal flotation device designed for boaters, water sports participants, or emergency situations where buoyancy is needed to keep a person afloat. In some contexts, can also refer to an inflatable vest used for horseback riding (cross-country safety vest) that is designed to inflate upon impact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is less common than 'lifejacket' or 'PFD' (Personal Flotation Device). In the US, 'inflatable life vest' or 'automatic inflatable PFD' are more frequent technical terms. In British English, 'lifejacket' is the dominant general term.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a more modern, compact, or less bulky alternative to traditional foam-filled lifejackets, often associated with leisure boating or sailing.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech. Its use is mostly confined to marine equipment retailers, safety manuals, and specific sporting contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “air jacket” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + an air jacket[Subject] + inflate + the air jacketThe air jacket + is + designed for + [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air jacket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He quickly air-jacketed himself before abandoning ship.
- The crew were trained to air-jacket in under ten seconds.
American English
- She air-jacketed as soon as she hit the water.
- The manual instructs you to air-jacket before entering rough seas.
adjective
British English
- The air-jacket mechanism is quite reliable.
- They offer an air-jacket option for their sailing kit.
American English
- The air-jacket technology has improved significantly.
- He prefers the air-jacket style for fishing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of manufacturing, selling, or regulating marine safety equipment.
Academic
Rare; might appear in engineering or design papers on safety technology.
Everyday
Very rare; a specialist would use it when discussing specific types of life-saving equipment.
Technical
Common in marine safety, sailing, and watersports instruction manuals and product specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “air jacket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “air jacket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air jacket”
- Confusing it with a regular jacket or a motorcycle airbag jacket. Using it as a general term for any lifejacket.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A traditional lifejacket uses foam for buoyancy and is always bulky. An air jacket is compact when not in use and inflates with air (manually or automatically) to provide buoyancy when needed.
Some automatic models are suitable, but always check the buoyancy rating and local regulations. They are generally designed for conscious users in expected water entry situations, not for unconscious persons in all conditions.
Regular maintenance includes checking for tears, ensuring the oral inflation valve works, replacing the CO2 cylinder after use or as per expiry date, and having it serviced professionally according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Yes, but it's a different product. An equestrian air jacket is a safety vest worn by riders that inflates upon impact or a fall to protect the torso and neck. It is not designed for water flotation.
A lifejacket or buoyancy aid for water safety, designed to be inflated by mouth or with a gas cylinder in an emergency.
Air jacket is usually specialised/technical in register.
Air jacket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə ˌdʒækɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛr ˌdʒækɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a jacket you fill with AIR to save you from drowning. It's a JACKET made of AIR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFETY IS A CONTAINER (of air).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an 'air jacket'?