air brick

noun

chiefly British

: a hollowed or perforated brick or a metal box of brick size with grated sides used for ventilation

the use of air bricks to help prevent the buildup of damp

Last Friday January 14, the group of students were touring the Village and Monarch redevelopment site when they expressed their concerns over the loss of ornamental air bricks among the terraced houses on Lower Rockview Street.

—Belfast Telegraph, 20 Jan. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now