Aerial

/ˈɛəriəl/

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonDescriptive
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Existing, happening, or operating in the air.

/ˈɛəriəl/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Descriptive

Relating to the air

The aerial view from the plane was breathtaking.

💡 Simply: Something in the air or related to the air.

More Examples

2

The aerial attack was devastating.

How It's Used

Photography

"He took an aerial photograph of the city."

Military

"Aerial bombardment caused widespread damage."

2

An antenna for transmitting or receiving radio or television signals.

/ˈɛəriəl/

nounneutralIntermediate
Technology

Antenna for radio or television

The old television's aerial was rusty and needed replacing.

💡 Simply: A device that receives radio or TV signals.

More Examples

2

The radio aerial was damaged in the storm.

How It's Used

Electronics

"The aerial needs to be properly positioned for optimal reception."

Tip:Think 'antenna' - an aerial is a type of antenna.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From Late Latin *aeriālis, from Latin āēr "air".

The word 'aerial' has been used in relation to air and flight since the 16th century. Its usage in relation to antennas developed in the 20th century.

Memory tip

Think 'air' - aerial things are in the air.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"of or relating to the air"

Base: aerial
aerial viewaerial photographyaerial bombardment

Common misspellings

areialaeriel

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written