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• open air
  open air

  noun

  the outdoors.
• open-air
  open-air

  adjective

  existing in, taking place in, or characteristic of the open air; outdoor.

open air

¹ American  

noun

1. the outdoors.

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open-air ² American  

[oh-puhn-air] / ˈoʊ pənˈɛər /

adjective

1. existing in, taking place in, or characteristic of the open air; outdoor.

   The orchestra gave three open-air concerts last summer.

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open air British  

noun

1. 1. the place or space where the air is unenclosed; the outdoors

   2. ( as modifier )

      an open-air concert

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• open-airish
  adjective
• open-airness
  noun
• open-airishness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of open air¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Origin of open-air²

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Open-air spaces, perhaps with a few rustic thatched enclosures, were quicker to build than churches that often required decades to complete.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2022

Open-air restaurants and cafes along the Mekong River had giant fans that made the climate bearable.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2022

Open-air market with fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods and prepared foods.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2021

Open-air swimming pools will be able to open from 15 May and some gyms from 1 June.

From The Guardian • Apr. 21, 2021

Open-air sports are popular in the country districts of Australia, and are a splendid means of bringing the young fellows together.

From Wheat Growing in Australia by Australia. Dept. of External Affairs