on-air

IPA/ˌɒn ˈeə(r)/
IPA/ˌɑːn ˈer/

on-air — adjective

1. describing a person or job that works in front of the microphone or camera, spea

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing a person or job that works in front of the microphone or camera, speaking to listeners or viewers, rather than behind the scenes.

例句

Zuri spent ten years as an on-air reporter before moving into producing.

on-air + role noun (reporter / host)

The station hired Christopher for his warm on-air voice and quick wit.

同義詞
反義詞

文法句型

on-air + noun (talent, host, personality)

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun (an on-air host, on-air talent). Distinguish from sense 2: this sense labels the person or job; sense 2 labels something being transmitted at that moment.

常見錯誤

❌The host is on-air at the office.
✅The host is an on-air reporter.
💡this sense names the kind of role, not where someone is sitting.

2. happening live and reaching the public over radio or television at that very mom

2.形容詞C1
釋義

happening live and reaching the public over radio or television at that very moment.

例句

A red light warns the crew when the studio goes on-air at six.

go on-air for the start of a live broadcast

Omar apologised for the mistake he had made during the on-air interview.

on-air describing a live moment

同義詞
  • live

    broader; covers any real-time event, not only broadcasts

  • broadcast

    as a past participle adjective: 'a broadcast match'

反義詞

文法句型

go on-air

be on-air

用法筆記

Used both before a noun (an on-air error) and after the verb 'be' or 'go' (we are on-air; the show goes on-air). Contrast sense 1, which only labels a role and stays before the noun.

常見錯誤

❌She made an on-air reporter mistake.
✅She made an on-air mistake.
💡this sense modifies the live moment or thing, not the person's job title.