airy

American  

[air-ee] / ˈɛər i /

adjective

airier, airiest

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.

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airy ¹ British  

/ 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

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Airy ² British  

/ ˈɛərɪ /

noun

1. 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)

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Etymology

Origin of airy

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

Example Sentences

Fold a touch of Greek yogurt into hand-whipped cream: the yogurt keeps it airy and adds a subtle tang that cuts through sweetness, creating tension on the tongue.

From Salon

They say it can turbocharge urban housing construction at a modest and more affordable scale while also promoting apartments that are bigger, airier and better lighted.

From Los Angeles Times

The “gourmet” kitchen is outfitted with modern appliances and opens seamlessly into bright, airy living spaces designed for both entertaining and unwinding after a long day, with pristine lake views as the backdrop.

From MarketWatch

“Mio Cristo” is a delicate and airy ballad about forgiveness sung in Italian, which puts her in an operatic frame of mind.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the airy warehouse space, cold brew flows on tap and a pingpong table sits unused.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cheerful
• cheery
• graceful