Airborne
/ˈɛərbɔːrn/
Definitions
2 meaningsExisting or happening in the air.
/ˈɛərbɔːrn/
Existing, occurring, or operating in the air
The airborne dust made it difficult to breathe.
💡 Simply: In the air.
More Examples
The plane was airborne within minutes of takeoff.
How It's Used
"The airborne aircraft was easily visible."
"Airborne troops were deployed behind enemy lines."
Spread through the air.
/ˈɛərbɔːrn/
Describing a disease spread through the air
The doctor warned of an airborne illness.
💡 Simply: Spread by air.
How It's Used
"The airborne virus spread rapidly through the population."
From air + borne (past participle of bear). Meaning 'carried by the air' developed in the late 19th century, initially in military contexts.
Early usage primarily focused on military applications, with broader adoption following advances in aviation and understanding of disease transmission.
Memory tip
Think of 'air' and 'borne' (carried), so something carried by the air.
Word Origin
"air + borne (carried)"