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

From airy mesh fabrics to sleek, low-profile shapes, this season’s trending shoes have a way of elevating an outfit without overpowering it. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026

It’s made with 100 percent European linen that is airy for warm weather. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026

Zeolite absorbs excess oil while silk powder creates airy body and grit, making limp hair look instantly fuller and more lived-in. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026

Alternatively, begin with a light base and pair it with an equally subtle tip shade—think non-stark, tonal hues for a cohesive, airy finish. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 19 June 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