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Synonyms

airing

American  
[air-ing] / ˈɛər ɪŋ /

noun

  1. an exposure to the air, as for drying.

  2. a public discussion or disclosure, as of ideas, proposals, or facts.

  3. a walk, drive, exercise period, etc., in the open air, especially to promote health.

  4. the act of broadcasting on radio or television.

    The new comedy program will have its first airing this Friday night.
airing British  
/ ˈɛərɪŋ /

noun

    1. exposure to air or warmth, as for drying or ventilation

    2. ( as modifier )

      airing cupboard

  2. an excursion in the open air

  3. exposure to public debate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of airing

First recorded in 1600–10; air 1 + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Scientists recognize its potential to change our energy future,” a voiceover says in one of the commercials that began airing in 2017.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Its episodic encores are currently airing on Fox as a lead-in to “The Faithful,” whose showrunner, René Echevarria, is an old hand at both network and cable, and whose work includes “The 4400.”

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

The momentum comes after Steyer spent about $50 million airing television ads since December, according to an analysis by data expert Paul Mitchell for Capitol Weekly.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Ahead of the show airing, there had also been much speculation about how it would involve pre-selected members of the audience.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Mama hurried down the stair steps, wearing a bright smile and carrying her nicest petticoats and nightgowns to hang out for airing.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.