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 airy New Preston wine bar with its twinkle-light patio perched on a hill is the ideal place for an al fresco aperitivo. — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Stone wore a gray and beige slipdress with slight layering at the bust and an airy quality that emphasized the light, ethereal trend sported by several celebrities at Paris Fashion Week. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

These sneakers combine airy mesh fabric with lightweight cushioning and removable Arch Fit insoles. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026

The property’s airy coffee shop on the ground floor, Rivertown Café, serves specialty coffee and pastries baked fresh daily. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 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