on the air
idiom
variants
or less commonly on air
of a radio or television station, program, etc.
: broadcasting or being broadcast
The interview will be on the air tomorrow.
an interview being shown on air
Examples of on the air in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And even though Kimmel quickly came back on the air in 75% of the nation, the kerfuffle exposed an ongoing rift between the broadcast networks and affiliates that may become even more strained in the coming years.
—
Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Then last week, ABC and all its affiliate stations reversed their decision, and brought his show back on the air.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Gelman teared up on the air while recalling his family's support across a four-decade career.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
As the credits rolled, post ear tug, Burnett, ever the fangirl, had the evening’s special guest sign an autograph book on the air.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the air
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.
Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Then last week, ABC and all its affiliate stations reversed their decision, and brought his show back on the air.
—Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Gelman teared up on the air while recalling his family's support across a four-decade career.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
As the credits rolled, post ear tug, Burnett, ever the fangirl, had the evening’s special guest sign an autograph book on the air.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the air
Cite this Entry
“On the air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20air. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share