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

The sheer aerosol mist vanishes into hair, delivering soft, airy volume without stickiness or stiffness. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 1 Mar. 2025

In Dessner’s film work, there’s usually a minimalist, airy quality. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025

They’re outfitted with super thick cushioning, which is infused with Nitrogen for a lightweight, airy feel. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025

Photo courtesy of Global Ambassador Exciting new hotels to check into The 141-guestroom Global Ambassador opened in December 2023, with amenities including an airy lobby with a coffee shop and luxurious spa. —Cindy Barks, AFAR Media, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing airy

• airy-fairy

Rhymes for airy

• aerie
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• ferry
• hairy

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