airbag

noun

air·​bag ˈer-ˌbag How to pronounce airbag (audio)
variants or air bag
: a bag that is inflated with air typically for use as a cushion or safety device
especially : such a bag installed in an automobile as a safety device designed to inflate automatically in case of collision

Examples of airbag 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.
Damaged airbags also may fail to deploy in case of accidents. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 The 2020 Corvette Owner’s manual states that children in rear-facing seats should not sit in a two-seater car as the passenger airbag can cause severe injuries to the child. Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 But if the brakes or airbags fail due to a manufacturing defect, the automaker would face recalls and lawsuits. ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025 That’s because airbags are calibrated to adult bodies weighing around 150 pounds. Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for airbag

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airbag was in 1782

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Cite this Entry

“Airbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airbag. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

air bag

noun
: an automobile safety device consisting of a bag designed to inflate automatically especially in front of a rider in case of a collision
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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