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

Amazon’s fashion department is a goldmine of light and airy matching sets — and all of our favorite ensembles are under $45. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024

Heading inside, the light and airy living quarters are equipped with four generous guest cabins and one plush owner’s suite that can collectively sleep up to 10 guests. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024

The breathable cotton fabric feels light and airy even on a hot summer day, and the oversized bows on the straps add the perfect amount of intrigue. —Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2024

Bright white coats the rest of the room to keep the look light and airy. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024

The airy dining room opens to sidewalk seating, and a small retail area and a private dining room are tucked in the back. —Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024

But in the Best Way Tester Feedback: Han is pretty picky about body sunscreens because so many feel heavy and sticky on the skin, but this one feels light and airy, even after multiple layers and rounds of rubbing. —Kathleen Suico, Allure, 13 Apr. 2024

All 153 airy, bright rooms and suites have either mountain views or private balconies. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024

We are seated in an airy and bright conference room inside The Hollywood Reporter’s offices at Penske Media Corporation headquarters overlooking the 405 freeway. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

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