airy

airy

adj \ˈer-ē\

air·i·erair·i·est

Definition of AIRY

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>

— air·i·ly \ˈer-ə-lē\ adverb

— air·i·ness \-ē-nəs\ noun

Examples of AIRY

1. The room is open, light, and airy.
2. He refused with an airy wave of his hand.

First Known Use of AIRY

14th century

Related to AIRY

Synonyms: ethereal, fluffy, gossamer, gossamery, light

Antonyms: heavy, leaden

Related Words: cobwebby, dainty, delicate, diaphanous, downy, feathery, flimsy, gauzelike, gauzy, insubstantial, tender, wispy; buoyant, lighter-than-air, lightweight, rarefied, unsubstantial, vaporous, weightless; cumulous, pillowy

Near Antonyms: firm, solid, substantial; bulky, burdensome, cumbersome, hefty, hulking, lumpish, ponderous, unwieldy, weighty

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with AIRY

aerie, berry, bury, Carey, cherry, chary, dairy, Derry, faerie, fairy, ferry, Gerry, glairy, glary, hairy, Jerry, kerry, Mary, marry, merry, nary, perry, prairie, query, scary, serry, Shari, sherry, skerry, terry, Terry, vary, very, wary, wherry