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 fruity opening feels light and airy rather than heavy or syrupy (like a milkshake), creating an effervescent sweetness that draws you in. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Dec. 2024

The lobby and upstairs library has homey living room vibes while the rooms are airy and bright, defined by natural materials like limestone and white oak. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024

Clever design solutions keep the interior simple but not simplistic, giving it a light, airy and refined feel while being within a compact cabin. —Trinity Francis, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

But sometimes, all that’s required to open up a room is a little visual trickery: A coat of paint in the right shade can instantly make even the most cramped kitchen feel airy and bright. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 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