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 adverb
airiness noun

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 Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Blake Earn Your Stripes This set is made of viscose and is really airy and easy. Maia Torres, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 Located in the storied Hermitage Hotel, the very sleek, very pink all-day cafe is bright and airy in the daytime and has an appealing glow in the evening. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Its notes of pink grapefruit, peach nectar, and jasmine create a fresh, citrusy-meets-floral scent that’s light and airy without feeling cloying or overpowering. Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Let rise until the chill is off and the dough feels light and airy, 45 to 50 minutes. Yewande Komolafe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 The atmosphere is bright and airy, offering a friendly haven for coffee drinkers studying or working. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2024 The 36-seat dining room of blond wood and big windows feels airy and open. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 Natalia Robert Sarah and her team’s plan for the kitchen, dining, and family areas was to create an open, airy, and cohesive space—a seamless open-floor plan. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 The doors and roof panels open to reveal an airy and streamlined space. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'airy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of airy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near airy

Cite this Entry

“Airy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

airy

adjective
ˈa(ə)r-ē How to pronounce airy (audio)
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 adverb
airiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on airy

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