airborne

adjective

air·​borne ˈer-ˌbȯrn 

1

: done or being in the air : being off the ground: such as

a

: carried through the air (as by an aircraft)

b

: supported especially by aerodynamic forces or propelled through the air by force

a plane becoming airborne

c

: transported or carried by the air

airborne allergens

2

: trained for deployment by air and especially by parachute

airborne troops

Examples of airborne in a Sentence

Once the plane was airborne I loosened my seat belt.

Thousands of airborne troops parachuted behind enemy lines.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fireworks shows, as well as displays by their high-tech peers the airborne drones, filled the week — and more were planned on Saturday night. — Daily News, 4 July 2026

Fixtures in your kitchen may need more regular upkeep because airborne grease and other cooking residue can cling to surfaces and trap dust. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

This helps prevent buildup and keeps allergens and airborne particles from circulating throughout your home. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

In addition, tongue flicking creates two pairs of air swirls that concentrate airborne odor molecules from each side onto the corresponding tip of the tongue. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for airborne

• adorn
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn
• forsworn

Kids Definition

airborne

adjective

air·​borne ˈa(ə)r-ˌbōrn 

-ˌbȯrn, 

ˈe(ə)r-

: supported or transported by air

airborne troops

Medical Definition

airborne

adjective

air·​borne -ˌbōrn 

: carried or transported by the air

airborne allergens

airborne bacteria