airbrush

1 of 2

noun

air·​brush ˈer-ˌbrəsh 

: an atomizer for applying by compressed air a fine spray (as of paint or liquid color)

airbrush

2 of 2

verb

airbrushed; airbrushing; airbrushes

transitive verb

: to paint, treat, or alter (as to conceal imperfections) with or as if with an airbrush

airbrush a photograph

Examples of airbrush in a Sentence

Verb

That photograph must have been airbrushed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The formula for this foundation includes patented polymer technology to create a soft film that never feels dry and ensures a fade-proof, long-wear, airbrush-like finish. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 Oct. 2026

Bad Idea was created by Chito, also an airbrush specialist, as a platform to bring visuals from other artists onto wearable pieces. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

Especially now, younger kids are so immersed in social media and people are trying to fabricate themselves or polish and airbrush their lives and appearances. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

As fashion cycles through infinite stages of nostalgia—particularly the brashness of the ’80s and the sleek, techy sportiness of the ’90s—there’s something about airbrushing that feels less overt and slightly irreverent. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1884, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing airbrush

• airbrush out

Rhymes for airbrush

• hairbrush
• inrush
• onrush
• paintbrush
• sagebrush
• blush
• brush
• crush
• flush
• gush
• hush
• lush

Kids Definition

airbrush

noun

air·​brush

ˈa(ə)r-ˌbrəsh, 

ˈe(ə)r-

: a device that uses compressed air to apply a liquid (as paint or a protective coating) as a fine spray

airbrush verb