airdate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized, Media Industry
Quick answer
What does “airdate” mean?
The date and time when a television or radio programme is broadcast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The date and time when a television or radio programme is broadcast.
A scheduled broadcast time for any media content, such as a podcast episode. Informally, it can refer to the premiere or first broadcast of a show.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Spelling is universally compound or solid ('airdate') or hyphenated ('air-date'), with no dominant regional preference for one form.
Connotations
Neutral industry term in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US media contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “airdate” in a Sentence
The [programme/show/podcast] + has an airdate of + [date].[Network/Channel] + announced the airdate for + [show].The airdate + was moved to + [new date].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airdate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The airdate schedule was finally released.
- They faced an airdate change due to the news event.
American English
- The airdate announcement was highly anticipated.
- A major airdate shift disrupted the marketing plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media planning, marketing schedules, and content distribution strategies.
Academic
Used in media studies, communication, and cultural analysis papers.
Everyday
Used by fans discussing the premiere of a new TV series or season.
Technical
Used in broadcast engineering and programme delivery schedules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airdate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airdate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airdate”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It will airdate tomorrow' – incorrect; use 'air' or 'be broadcast'). Confusing it with 'airtime' (which refers to the time of day, not the calendar date).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one solid word ('airdate') or with a hyphen ('air-date'). Both are accepted, but the solid form is increasingly standard.
Yes, while originating in traditional broadcast media, it is now commonly used for the scheduled release date of any serialised digital content.
'Airdate' is specific to content distributed via broadcasting (TV, radio) or scheduled digital releases. 'Release date' is broader and can apply to films in cinemas, music albums, software, and books.
It is a standard, neutral term within the media industry but is considered specialized jargon outside of it. In everyday conversation, 'when it's on' or 'start date' might be used instead.
The date and time when a television or radio programme is broadcast.
Airdate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə.deɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer.deɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be on the airdate (i.e., to meet a broadcast deadline).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AIR (as in on the air, broadcasting) + DATE = the DATE it goes on the AIR.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A COMMODITY (the airdate is 'set', 'moved', 'pushed back').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'airdate'?