airbrush

1 of 2

noun

air·​brush ˈer-ˌbrəsh 

: an atomizer for applying by compressed air a fine spray (as of paint or liquid color)

airbrush

2 of 2

verb

airbrushed; airbrushing; airbrushes

transitive verb

: to paint, treat, or alter (as to conceal imperfections) with or as if with an airbrush

airbrush a photograph

Examples of airbrush in a Sentence

Verb

That photograph must have been airbrushed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Made with custom airbrush polymers to blur the pores and glossy oils to help the skin reflect light, the foundation also contains porcelain flower to brighten the complexion. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Mar. 2025

Celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen painted a black half-moon at the base of the nail and a diffused airbrush effect on the tip against a dark neon pink base. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

Nail artist Juan Alvear applied Après Nail Gel-X Sculpted Stiletto Extensions to Lisa's nails, then used a combo of Après shades including Midnight Shadow as the base, French Black tips, and Cloud Nine, which was airbrushed on for that soft gradient look. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025

Adding a touch of color to the dress, the Ralph Lauren team airbrushed the glass drops to create a pink ombré finish. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1884, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1907, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing airbrush

• airbrush out

Rhymes for airbrush

• hairbrush
• inrush
• onrush
• paintbrush
• sagebrush
• blush
• brush
• crush
• flush
• gush
• hush
• lush

Kids Definition

airbrush

noun

air·​brush

ˈa(ə)r-ˌbrəsh,

ˈe(ə)r-

: a device that uses compressed air to apply a liquid (as paint or a protective coating) as a fine spray

airbrush verb