thin air

/ˌθɪn ˈɛə(ɹ)/

noun

An unknown location; (by extension) apparent disappearance or nonexistence.

“Where did you think the exhaust would go? Into thin air?”

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Meanings

nounthin air (uncountable)
  1. figurativelyhumorousidiomaticuncountableusuallyAn unknown location; (by extension) apparent disappearance or nonexistence.

    Where did you think the exhaust would go? Into thin air?

  2. uncountableUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see thin, air, (especially, low-density air as a result of high altitude).

    You'll need to stay mindful of taking breaks, drinking water, and avoiding overexertion up here, because you're dealing with thin air at this altitude.

Cite this entry
APA

thin air. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/thin%20air

MLA

“thin air.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/thin%20air. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “thin air,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/thin%20air.

Source: thin air on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.