airy

[ air-ee ]

adjective

, air·i·er, air·i·est.

1. open to a free current of fresh air; breezy:

   airy rooms.

2. consisting of or having the character of air; immaterial:

   airy phantoms.

3. light in appearance; thin:

   airy garments.

4. light in manner; sprightly; lively:

   airy songs.

   Synonyms: merry, jaunty

5. light in movement; graceful; delicate:

   an airy step.

6. light as air; unsubstantial; unreal; imaginary:

   airy dreams.

   Synonyms: illusory, fanciful

7. visionary; speculative.
8. performed in the air; aerial.
9. lofty; high in the air.
10. putting on airs; affected; snobbish:

    an airy debutante posing for society photographers.

Airy

¹

/ ˈɛərɪ /

noun

1. AirySir George Biddell18011892MBritishSCIENCE: astronomer Sir George Biddell . 1801–92, British astronomer, noted for his estimate of the earth's density from gravity measurements in mines; astronomer royal (1835–81)

airy

²

/ ˈɛərɪ /

adjective

1. abounding in fresh air
2. spacious or uncluttered
3. nonchalant; superficial
4. visionary; fanciful

   airy promises

   airy plans

5. of or relating to air
6. weightless and insubstantial

   an airy gossamer

7. light and graceful in movement
8. having no material substance

   airy spirits

9. high up in the air; lofty
10. performed in the air; aerial

Word History and Origins

Origin of airy¹

1350–1400; Middle English ayery; air ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The most balloon-like, airy element of this room is the plush bean bags, on which guests are encouraged to recline and relax.

From Los Angeles Times

Bright and airy, you’ll want to take a deep breath to drink it all in before being seated.

From Salon

Instead the décor is sparse, the room is bright and airy, and there are small patio tables lined up on the sidewalk in the hopes of an overflow crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Ross glided through her set of Motown oldies and disco bangers with the airy nonchalance she’s been emanating for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair stands inches apart but the lighting, airy atmosphere and the weight of their suppressed affection turn that length into miles of impossibility.

From Salon

Related Words

• cheerful
• cheery
• graceful