midair

American

[mid-air] / mɪdˈɛər /

noun

any point in the air not contiguous with the earth or other solid surface.

to catch a ball in midair.

midair British

/ ˌmɪdˈɛə /

noun

1. some point above ground level, in the air
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a midair collision of aircraft

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

midair Idioms

see under leave hanging.

Etymology

Origin of midair

First recorded in 1660–70; mid- + air ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The federal review comes after a series of high-profile midair crashes and close calls reignited a nationwide debate over air safety.

From Los Angeles Times

With every pike in midair, every perfect landing, every Yurchenko off the vault, the Reeses’ connection with each gymnast grows and their commitment to the team becomes deeper.

From Los Angeles Times

He caught the joy, triumph and relief in her face as she appeared to be suspended in midair during her short program, although she had clearly landed.

From Los Angeles Times

A midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the waves crashed, they froze in midair.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023