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 rooms With just 17 airy and spacious rooms, the Sea Ranch gives every guest plenty of room to breathe, and the interiors are laid out to make every breath a meditative one. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

The mature canopy remains fairly open and airy, allowing light to pass through to plants below, a nice feature for smaller gardens. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

Six oversized windows look out onto the park from the main living and dining area, where white oak herringbone floors and generous proportions create a light, airy feel. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026

The space inside is an ever-changing gallery by exhilarating emerging artists, and the open and airy dining room and back bar feel more like a studio than a restaurant. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 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