airy

1 of 2

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

airiness

2 of 2

noun

air·​i·​ness ˈer-ē-nəs 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being airy : sprightliness, delicacy

Synonyms of airy

Adjective

• fluffy
• light

Examples of airy in a Sentence

Adjective

The room is open, light, and airy.

He refused with an airy wave of his hand.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Made for pretty much every texture, the airy foam gives fine-to-medium hair body without weighing it down, while helping define and smooth thicker waves and curls without sacrificing movement. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

The hypoallergenic pick combines the airy softness of goose feathers with a breathable cotton shell and a box-stitch design for even heat distribution. — Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026

Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette offers endless versatility for creating layered spaces inspired by the natural world. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026

Here’s what to order Country ham and butter The housemade bread service, consisting of fluffy pitas and airy focaccia, comes with a number of possible accompaniments. — Anthony Todd, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined above

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