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

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

Etymology

Origin of open air¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Origin of open-air²

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

A quarter—12 of 49—were confirmed to be autos with open air bag recalls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

The team identified two distinct kinds of amber: one formed underground near the roots of resin-producing plants, and another that developed in the open air.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2025

The few that exist are operating at near-capacity, he said, and “significantly more” space is needed to deal with the waste that currently sits in open air in the burn sites.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2025

The family all share a mat placed on the ground in the open air – no other shelter is yet available.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2024

Stranded at home in yet another day of oppressive heat, many took to the open air, sitting out on porches.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield