airspeed

noun

air·​speed ˈer-ˌspēd How to pronounce airspeed (audio)
: the speed (as of an airplane) with relation to the air compare ground speed

Examples of airspeed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In any case, the fastest airspeeds are not reached in flapping or gliding flight but in dives by birds of prey. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 But airplanes can get their airspeed by using sensors to measure the rate at which air is passing over the wings. — Rhett Allain, Wired News, 17 Apr. 2026 The mental bandwidth required to bring your hand to a specific spot while managing airspeed and g-forces is high. — David Szondy april 25, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026 In aviation, mach represents the ratio of an aircraft’s true airspeed to the local speed of sound. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for airspeed

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airspeed was in 1909

Rhymes for airspeed

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Browse Nearby Words

airspace reservation
airspeed
airspeed head
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Cite this Entry

“Airspeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airspeed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

airspeed

noun
air·​speed -ˌspēd How to pronounce airspeed (audio)
: the speed of an airplane according to measurements of the surrounding air rather than of the ground below
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