airy

adjective

ˈer-ē 

airier; airiest

1

a

: of or relating to air : atmospheric

b

: high in the air : lofty

airy perches

c

: performed in air : aerial

airy leaps

2

: unreal, illusory

airy romances

3

a

: being light and graceful in movement or manner : sprightly, vivacious

an airy dance

b

: exceptionally light, delicate, or refined

an airy fragrance

4

a

: open to the free circulation of air

an airy room

b

: having openings or spaces

airy lacework

5

: affected, proud

airy condescension

airily

ˈer-ə-lē 

adverb

airiness

ˈer-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• ethereal
• fluffy
• gossamer
• gossamery
• light

Examples of airy in a Sentence

The room is open, light, and airy.

He refused with an airy wave of his hand.

Recent Examples on the Web

Expect to find swivel gliders in airy white linen, cribs and dressers accented with handwoven caning, and daybeds made from honey-toned rattan. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

Renovated in 2021 to become fully carbon neutral and solar powered, the airy cafe attracts visitors and locals alike for sumptuous sandwiches like slow roasted pork on fluffy baguette and cauliflower, pesto and ricotta on focaccia. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The most balloon-like, airy element of this room is the plush bean bags, on which guests are encouraged to recline and relax. —Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

For light and natural Scandinavian flavor, trade dense evergreens for airy seeded eucalyptus. —Sandra S. Soria, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing airy

• airy-fairy

Kids Definition

airy

adjective

ˈa(ə)r-ē 

ˈe(ə)r-

airier; airiest

1

a

: of or relating to air : atmospheric

b

: high in the air : lofty

airy perches

c

: performed in air

airy leaps

2

: lacking a sound or solid basis

airy romance

3

a

: light and graceful in movement and manner

an airy dancer

b

: extremely light, delicate, or refined

an airy perfume

4

: open to the air : breezy

an airy room

airily

ˈar-ə-lē 

ˈer-

adverb

airiness

ˈar-ē-nəs 

ˈer-

noun