airy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈer-ē How to pronounce airy (audio)
airier; airiest
Synonyms of airynext
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 How to pronounce airy (audio)
adverb
airiness
ˈer-ē-nəs How to pronounce airy (audio)
noun

airiness

2 of 2

noun

air·​i·​ness ˈer-ē-nəs How to pronounce airiness (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being airy : sprightliness, delicacy

Synonyms of airy

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Netflix honcho had met with HBO chief Casey Bloys multiple times this year, including a very public one at Superba, the airy restaurant on Sunset near the Netflix offices that also serves as the streamer’s unofficial commissary. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 Known as Anamesa, the airy abode exists between indoor and outdoor living. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026 Wide-leg pants land right in the middle, offering full coverage for a chilly cabin with a loose, airy silhouette that won’t cling to your legs when temperatures rise. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2026 Welcoming Taupe Taupe and cream share some of the same characteristics of being a soft, airy shade that’s easy to mesh with furniture materials and other colors. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for airy

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of airy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing airy

Rhymes for airy

See All Rhymes for airy

Browse Nearby Words

air wrench
airy
Airy disk
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Airy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

airy

adjective
ˈa(ə)r-ē How to pronounce airy (audio)
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 How to pronounce airy (audio)
ˈer-
adverb
airiness
ˈar-ē-nəs How to pronounce airy (audio)
ˈer-
noun
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