in the air

phrase

: being felt or expressed by many people : in wide circulation
There was a sense of anticipation in the air.

Examples of in the air 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.
Megill retired Richie Palacios on a grounder to second to end it, threw his arms in the air and was mobbed by teammates near the mound while Brewers fans celebrated in the stands. — Rob Maaddi, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 A bit later, a shaggy-haired knight would win the final competition, beat his chest, and throw a triumphant fist in the air as his section screamed for him. — Alessandra Schade, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 The 60-year-old CEO spends more than 800 hours a year in the air—or rather, 33 days spent on a plane. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 With love and nostalgia brimming in the air, Swift’s tribute to country style made her induction the perfect full-circle moment. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the air

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in the air was in 1853

Rhymes for in the air

See All Rhymes for in the air

Browse Nearby Words

in the aggregate
in the air
in the altogether
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In the air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20air. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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