dead air

noun

1. the loss or suspension of the video or audio signal during a television or radio transmission.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead air¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

For decades, people have been screaming into dead air about acknowledging the hurt and mistreatment of Indigenous people in Hollywood.

From Salon

The entire commentary shines with a very knowledgeable director explaining his craft and his motivations with only a few areas of dead air.

From Washington Times

Why do the people who manage Dodger Stadium feel that every single second of dead air has to be filled with loud music, sound effects and electronic whizbang?

From Los Angeles Times

Midway through, the track stages a near-collapse, with fragmented lyrics and bits of dead air, then grandly reassembles itself.

From New York Times

During the track, Mr. Fuqua offers a subdued but pointed deconstruction of “Training Day” focused on the narrative but with plenty of moments of dead air.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• blackout
• calm
• lull
• peace
• quiet
• reticence
• secrecy
• stillness