on air

alternative on-air

1. broadcastingBroadcasting or transmitting through the medium of radio or television.

   The transmitter remained on air all through the war.

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   Julie is on air now, presenting the weather forecast.

   Channel 9 will be on air in a few minutes, giving a live broadcast.

   The microphone was on air, and the whole country heard the outburst.

   It can get very hectic in the studio, especially when a news story breaks while we are on air.

   2003, Focus on Africa: BBC Magazine - Volumes 14-15, page 43

   However, he had no contract with my Tongan friends and it was strictly against the rules to put performers on air without one.

   2009, David Attenborough, Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

   Synonyms: on the air · Antonyms: off air

2. broadcastingBeing, or so as to be, broadcast or transmitted by radio or television.

   Was his interview on air?

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   Don't interrupt while the program is on air.

   This show isn't on air at the moment — it's only on in the summer.

   The popular television series was on air for ten years before it finally ended.

   We can't put this material on air.

   Sack can be contacted directly when his show is on air (2-5 p.m. EST Sundays) at 1-800-TALK-YES, and welcomes brief phone questions about employment concerns at 1 -2 1 2-702-9000, extension 34.

   1997, Solidarity - Volumes 40-42

3. figurativelySmoothly; gracefully.
4. figurativelyHappily.
5. bridgeWon with a high card though capturing only small cards.
6. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, air.