airing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, occasionally formal in its 'discussion' sense.
Quick answer
What does “airing” mean?
The act of exposing something to the air, typically to freshen it, or the broadcasting of a program.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of exposing something to the air, typically to freshen it, or the broadcasting of a program.
Exposure or discussion of an issue in public (e.g., ideas getting an airing); a short outing or walk in the fresh air (archaic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. UK English may use the 'outing' sense more in historical/literary contexts. Both use all senses.
Connotations
Neutral for broadcast/freshening; slightly formal for public discussion ('give the issue an airing').
Frequency
The 'broadcast' sense is most common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “airing” in a Sentence
give [NP] an airing[NP] get/got an airingthe airing of [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I am airing the bedding in the garden.
- The channel will be airing the documentary tonight.
American English
- She is airing out the cabin before we stay.
- The network aired the finale last night.
adverb
British English
- N/A (not standard).
American English
- N/A (not standard).
adjective
British English
- The airing cupboard is warm from the boiler.
- This is a common airing technique.
American English
- We need an airing strategy for the basement.
- The airing schedule is posted online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in media: 'The ad got its first airing during the Super Bowl.'
Academic
In media/communications studies: 'analysing the airing of controversial documentaries.'
Everyday
Common: 'I'm giving the duvet an airing.' 'Did you catch the airing of that new show?'
Technical
In broadcasting: 'scheduled airing times.' In HVAC: 'airing of a room.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airing”
- Using 'airing' as a countable noun for a single room (*an airing room) instead of 'airing cupboard'. Confusing 'airing' (process) with 'air' (the substance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the core meaning is about exposing something to air to freshen it (e.g., airing laundry). The broadcast sense is a common metaphorical extension.
A British term for a warm cupboard, often where the hot water tank is housed, used for drying clothes or storing aired linen.
The form 'airing' is the present participle/gerund of the verb 'to air'. As a standalone noun, it is derived from this verb.
It is moderately formal, typical in journalism or political commentary. It means to allow an issue to be discussed publicly.
The act of exposing something to the air, typically to freshen it, or the broadcasting of a program.
Airing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə.rɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give it an airing.”
- “An airing of grievances.”
- “Airing cupboard (UK).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AIR + ING. You are putting something IN the fresh AIR (freshening) or putting it INto the AIRwaves (broadcasting).
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/ISSUES ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE EXPOSED TO A PUBLIC SPACE (like laundry to air).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'airing' LEAST likely to be used?