air brake

noun

1
: a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air
2
: a surface that may be projected into the airstream for increasing drag and lowering the speed of an airplane

Examples of air brake 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 first to deploy will be a pair of air brakes, which stick out from the sides of the car close to its rear end. — Stuart Nathan, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2015 There is also an active rear spoiler that can raise and angle to produce an air brake. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025 For context, a McLaren 765LT supercar only beats that by two feet, and that has a freaking air brake. — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026 Four winglets move and adjust according to the needs of the moment, reducing aero downforce at higher speeds, generating greater downforce in cornering, and serving as an air brake. — Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for air brake

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of air brake was in 1846

Rhymes for air brake

See All Rhymes for air brake

Browse Nearby Words

air-box
air brake
air-break switch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Air brake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20brake. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

air brake

noun
1
: a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air
2
: a surface that may be quickly positioned into the air for lowering the speed of an airplane

More from Merriam-Webster on air brake

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about air brake

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