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

Butter is fed in and whipped until the mixture is smooth, airy, and stable. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025

The mountain’s best terrain could be found in the snow bowls beneath the 12,500-foot Kachina Peak, and accessing them required a 45-minute hike, paid off by the ensuing splashdown through airy powder. —Michael Paterniti, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

From dark and moody to light and airy, here's how to strike the perfect color balance with red and gray. —Lacey Howard, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 2025

Four airy suites are available and each open onto a stunning private balcony or patio. —Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Nov. 2025

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