airy

[air-ee]

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.

airy

¹

/ 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

Airy

²

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of airy¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

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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.

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The way they transformed into such airy, weightless beings while dancing, when offstage they were all earthbound muscle and sweaty concentration!

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

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“I climb onto the shore every once in a while. It’s so refreshingly bright and airy. I wish I could spend more time up there.”

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Related Words

• cheerful 
• cheery 
• graceful