airplay

noun

air·​play ˈer-ˌplā How to pronounce airplay (audio)
: the playing of a musical recording on the air by a radio station
a song getting a lot of airplay

Examples of airplay 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.
After Scorpions changed labels — to Harvest Records in Europe and Mercury in North America — Lovedrive arrived in early 1979 and began to get airplay in the group’s homeland. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026 The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2026 The Hot 100 employs a methodology that takes into account sales, streams, and radio airplay. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 Jan. 2026 In the past, popular songs could maintain top positions on the Billboard charts because of repeat listening by users on streaming services, as well as continuous airplay on radio stations. Taylor Crumpton, Time, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for airplay

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airplay was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Airplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airplay. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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