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

Studio Ceta For a stylistic 180, book this airy, contemporary spot. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

Much of the team’s conversation with the Tribune at its airy Humboldt Park HQ was spent noodling over how, exactly, to describe its average artist. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

The interior centers around a light and airy salon with floor-to-ceiling glazing that invites the outdoors in. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026

The airy weave diffuses daylight through the fabric’s natural texture, while the versatile curtain band works with tracks, curtain rods, or hooks for a clean installation. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

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