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

Light and airy, it’s made for warm, sunny days—the breathable fabric and breezy sleeves will keep you cool and comfortable. —Kaitlin Marks, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025

The vibe: The modern, airy space on University Ave. is a good coworking spot with natural light, indoor and outdoor tables and comfy lounge area. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025

The kitchen featured in this listing photo has an open feel with airy windows leading onto the back deck. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 5 Feb. 2025

As is often the case with Twigs, her voice—flowing between an airy falsetto and soulful depths—is the through line, taking vulnerability and calcifying it into something fiercer and stranger. —Puja Patel, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2025

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