Dead air Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A period of silence during a radio or TV broadcast when nothing is being transmitted. In conversation, it means an awkward silence when nobody speaks.
Usage & Nuances
Used mostly in media, especially radio and TV, where silence is usually considered a technical mistake. In conversation, "dead air" refers to an awkward pause with no one talking. Not used for peaceful silences, only unintended or uncomfortable ones.
Example Sentences
There was dead air on the radio for two minutes.
basic
The show had some dead air before the host spoke again.
basic
She tried to avoid dead air by asking questions.
basic
Nobody knew what to say, so there was a lot of dead air at the party.
natural
We lost the connection, and it was just dead air for a while.
natural
Awkward dead air makes everyone uncomfortable during meetings.
natural