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.
Despite Sarah’s flapping her cardigan in the air like a hungover color-guard girl at a homecoming parade, the hapless Irish naval men sent to save her remained beyond the bobbing waves. Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 The 460-foot (140-meter) ship, weighing over 6,000 tons, is built to handle modern threats in the air, at sea, and underwater, and can support long-range strike missions. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 There are a lot of balls up in the air, with almost every character dealing with a precarious and delicate situation that could result in disaster. Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 The colossal balete next to the chapel and barangay hall appeared to lean closer to the site of the capture, the shivering of leaves and roots and branches registering in the air as vague applause. Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in the air

Cite this Entry

“In the air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20air. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster