1 B2 informal
To inflate a tyre or other inflatable object using air.
"I need to stop at the garage to air up my front tyre — it looks flat."
separable
air up
B2 informal separable transitive
To inflate a tyre, ball, or other object by adding air to it.
In plain English
To put air into a tyre or something that needs to be filled with air.
What does "air up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fill something up with air — bringing the air level upward to the correct pressure.
Actually means
To put air into a tyre or something that needs to be filled with air.
Usage tip
Predominantly North American (especially American) English. British English speakers are more likely to say 'pump up' or 'inflate'. Most commonly used for car or bicycle tyres.
Words that pair with "air up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tyre tire ball bicycle pressure tube
How to conjugate "air up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
air up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
airs up
he/she/it
Past simple
aired up
yesterday
Past participle
aired up
have + pp
-ing form
airing up
continuous
Hear "air up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "air up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "air up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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