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 witness said the airbags deployed and that Bruette was wearing a seatbelt. — Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Using motion sensors and patented algorithms, the belt distinguishes everyday movements from a serious hip-impacting fall and deploys inflatable airbags, cushioning the hips, in less than 90 milliseconds—before the wearer hits the ground. — Lauryn Higgins, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Troopers responded to the scene and found that the vehicle was disabled and its airbags had deployed, the warrant affidavit said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026 Chief Loeser said modern apparatus are equipped with airbags and other safety features. — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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

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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 21 Oct. 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
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