air brake

noun

1

: a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air

2

: a surface that may be projected into the airstream for increasing drag and lowering the speed of an airplane

Examples of air brake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is also an active rear spoiler that can raise and angle to produce an air brake. —New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025

The Chevy California Corvette concept has massive 21-inch wheels up front and 22-inch wheels in the back, an active spoiler that’s is also an air brake, and a carbon tub. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 25 July 2025

Four winglets move and adjust according to the needs of the moment, reducing aero downforce at higher speeds, generating greater downforce in cornering, and serving as an air brake. —Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

What To Know In a January 13 robbery, thieves cut an air brake hose on a BNSF freight train in Arizona. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for air brake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• eastlake
• forsake
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

air brake

noun

1

: a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air

2

: a surface that may be quickly positioned into the air for lowering the speed of an airplane