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 of airy

• fluffy
• 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 contemporary abode is outfitted with pale wood floors, a full black-and-white kitchen, and glass-and-steel doors that separate the queen bedroom from the rest of the airy space. — Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026

Kuchipudi—light, airy, rhythmic—originated in Andhra Pradesh, where it was performed by men, as part of mythological dance dramas. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Tall French doors open to a bright, airy kitchen outfitted with custom maple cabinetry, Italian marble countertops, an eat-in island, a wine fridge, and a La Cornue range. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

This common area is bright and airy, with coffee, ample seating and desk space, and a cozy, library-like hygge vibe. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

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