skywriting

[ skahy-rahy-ting ]

noun

1. the act or technique of writing writing against the sky with chemically produced smoke released from a maneuvering airplane.
2. the words, letters, designs, etc., so traced.

skywriting

/ ˈskaɪˌraɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. the forming of words in the sky by the release of smoke or vapour from an aircraft
2. the words so formed

Derived Forms

• ˈskyˌwriter, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of skywriting¹

First recorded in 1920–25; sky + writing

Example Sentences

These include skywriting — writing letters large in the air — and drawing words in shaving cream.

From New York Times

He buys up every ad space imaginable in the lead-up to the primary — radio, television, Internet, billboard, skywriting, Super Bowl, car wraps, biceps tattoos, corn mazes in the shape of his wide, wide grin.

From Los Angeles Times

Friends pilot the plane that’s skywriting the words YAY, YOU! across your universe.

From Washington Post

It’s also quicker than skywriting, just four seconds a character, coming out in a series of puffs.

From Los Angeles Times

In her review for The Times, Janet Maslin wrote that Anderson’s “display of talent is as big and exuberant as skywriting.”

From New York Times