airbag

noun

air·​bag ˈer-ˌbag How to pronounce airbag (audio)
variants or air bag
: a bag that is inflated with air typically for use as a cushion or safety device
especially : such a bag installed in an automobile as a safety device designed to inflate automatically in case of collision

Examples of airbag 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.
The report also found that some members of the group wore avalanche airbag backpacks but none of them deployed. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 The Toyota’s airbags deployed and passersby removed the two boys from the vehicle and stayed with them until paramedics and police arrived. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Driver credits the car’s 360-degree airbags and design with saving their lives. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 The sky crane landing approach was a big departure from the direct touchdowns of the Viking landers, as well as the bouncy airbag landings of the Mars Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity missions. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for airbag

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airbag was in 1782

Rhymes for airbag

See All Rhymes for airbag

Browse Nearby Words

air-atomic
airbag
airball
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Cite this Entry

“Airbag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airbag. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

air bag

noun
: an automobile safety device consisting of a bag designed to inflate automatically especially in front of a rider in case of a collision
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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