lighter-than-air

adjective

light·​er-than-air ˈlī-tər-thən-ˈer 

: of less weight than the air displaced

Examples of lighter-than-air in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Control algorithms enable the vehicle to react instantly to gusts of wind, which have long been the bane of lighter-than-air vehicles. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026

The volunteer-run group is pursuing an unconventional Airship to Orbit plan that could use lighter-than-air vehicles to reach space. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

That’s likely due to the shoes’ lighter-than-air cushioning that’s made with the highest energy-return foam that the brand has ever made. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

Its elastic Nap smocking and lighter-than-air fabric stay comfortable all the while — even when commuting in 90-degree weather. — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lighter-than-air

• concessionaire
• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare

Kids Definition

lighter-than-air

adjective

: able to fly by the use of a gas (as helium or hot air) less dense than the air that would occupy the same amount of space