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
New development the Strand sits organically on the low cliffs of Cooper Jack Bay, while the Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave offers seven beautifully outfitted bedrooms across an open-plan, airy villa on postcard-perfect Leeward Beach. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 The sound is wider and more spacious, which comes across as a more natural and airy listening experience that gives games a more expansive feel, where details, dialogue and sound effects can have greater clarity and depth. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The linen variety, like the ones Hargitay recently wore, could not be more perfect for summer because the airy fabric keeps you cool and breezy. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 This Yorkville one-bedroom, as seen in this listing photo, feels airy and light filled thanks to the dining area’s wall of windows. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on airy

Nglish: Translation of airy for Spanish Speakers

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