airflow

noun

air·​flow ˈer-ˌflō How to pronounce airflow (audio)
Synonyms of airflownext
: a flow of air
especially : the motion of air (as around parts of an airplane in flight) relative to the surface of a body immersed in it

Examples of airflow 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.
Start with heat and airflow To deice a vehicle, automotive and transportation safety experts recommend starting with heat, patience and the right tools. Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 For instance, the downward airflow from the drone propellers disturbs the dust, increasing contamination risks, and the team had to develop additional safety measures to mitigate them. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026 For additional comfort, the upper is made from breathable mesh to promote airflow, and the rubber outsole offers extra grip to help prevent slips and trips. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026 The breathable upper and middle layers boost airflow around your body to minimize nighttime sweating. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for airflow

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airflow was in 1878

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Airflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airflow. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

airflow

noun
air·​flow -ˌflō How to pronounce airflow (audio)
: a flow of air
especially : the motion of air (as around parts of an airplane in flight) compared to the surface of a body surrounded by the air

More from Merriam-Webster on airflow

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