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.
Chief Loeser said modern apparatus are equipped with airbags and other safety features. — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The automakers also object to the government interfering in parts of the design that don’t improve the safety of the vehicle, saying a radio is different from seat belts and airbags. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026 When the Sullivans crashed, their Pontiac’s airbags never even deployed. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 Water can prevent seat belts from working correctly in an emergency, and your airbags may not deploy in a crash, according to My Airbags, an online auto repair service that focuses on your car’s safety equipment. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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
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