air·brush
ˈer-ˌbrəsh 
: an atomizer for applying by compressed air a fine spray (as of paint or liquid color)
airbrushed; airbrushing; airbrushes
: 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
Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
The photos, devoid of any airbrush or glossy finish typical of editorial images, sparked near-instant reactions online.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Taylor Augustin Littlejohn, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Denys Melnyk film’s the facility’s guests with compassion but also honesty, preserving their dignity without airbrushing their reality.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for airbrush
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.
Noun
This airbrush design on a long square nail comprises a mix of French-tip auras, clear blobs, and 3D florals for a fun and funky design.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
The photos, devoid of any airbrush or glossy finish typical of editorial images, sparked near-instant reactions online.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
Get the diffusion by airbrushing on the white, or using a clean makeup sponge to blend the two colors while the polishes are wet.
—Taylor Augustin Littlejohn, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Denys Melnyk film’s the facility’s guests with compassion but also honesty, preserving their dignity without airbrushing their reality.
—Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for airbrush
Cite this Entry
“Airbrush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airbrush. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
