air quotes

plural noun

: a gesture made by raising and flexing the index and middle fingers of both hands that is used to call attention to a spoken word or expression

Examples of air quotes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though the new Broadway artwork does away with them, there’s a contemptuous little pair of air quotes in the show’s name as written. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025 The entire cast — which is composed mostly of comedians — is acting in air quotes here, delivering the most awards-hungry version of every line reading. Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 But computers aren’t dogs, data isn’t kibble, and that previous sentence has way too many air quotes. John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2024 Audrey’s had a child in ‘later in life’ [makes air quotes]. L'oréal Blackett, refinery29.com, 8 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for air quotes

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air quotes was in 1989

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Cite this Entry

“Air quotes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20quotes. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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