airplay

noun

air·​play ˈer-ˌplā 

: 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

The chart ranks songs using a combination of radio airplay, digital sales and streaming activity. — Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

In a bright spot, country traditionalist Sierra Ferrell attracted more than 8,600, an impressive number given her lack of mainstream airplay. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2026

Women also traditionally have had a harder time getting recording contracts and radio airplay. — Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Sales, touring impact, radio airplay, and peer recognition all play a role, but there are no set benchmarks that a candidate must hit. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above