Airflow is the movement of air from one place to another. When you feel a breeze through an open window, that's airflow. When a fan pushes air across a hot room, it creates airflow that helps you cool down.

Airflow matters in many situations. Engineers design airflow systems in buildings to bring in fresh air and remove stale air. Race car designers shape vehicles to control airflow, reducing drag so cars move faster. Airplane wings are carefully designed so that airflow over and under them creates lift, the force that keeps planes in the sky.

Understanding airflow helps solve practical problems. When a room feels stuffy, improving airflow by opening windows or using fans makes it more comfortable. When athletes train at high altitudes, they must adapt to thinner air and less oxygen. Even musicians think about airflow: flute players and trumpet players control their breath to create steady airflow through their instruments.

The word can also describe how freely air moves through something. A jacket with good airflow lets heat escape on warm days. A clogged air filter restricts airflow in a car's engine, making it run poorly.