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

The bright and airy kitchen features large glass doors to the backyard, helping to create a seamless flow between the two spaces.

From MarketWatch

Each forkful is a study in contrast—the peaches tender and juicy, the crust sturdy yet tender, the meringue airy yet just dense enough to melt into the fruit beneath.

From Salon

The kitchen leads into a dining space and living area with floor-to-ceiling windows that help to fill the bright and airy room with ample natural light.

From MarketWatch

After all, Santa says, in this airy and simple story for 3- to 7-year-olds: “Some presents don’t fit inside my bag.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• cheerful
• cheery
• graceful