airier; airiest
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 adverb
airiness noun

Examples of airy in a Sentence

The room is open, light, and airy. He refused with an airy wave of his hand.
Recent Examples on the Web Margaret Austin With that in mind, the team added some key design elements, like a stone wall and interweaving shades of blue, plus a vaulted ceiling and neutral tones and white oak accents to create a light and airy ambiance. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 20 Mar. 2024 While the hotel retains much of its original grandeur — just look at the ornate coffers in the lobby's ceiling — its public spaces and 122 guest rooms have been refreshed with a bright and airy palette of colors that blend tradition and modernity well. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024 Made from 100 percent linen, the dresses are light and airy to wear, which is especially great for extended periods of time outdoors. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2024 Xanthan gum: Xanthan gum is a powerful binder, providing essential adhesion and tackiness to gluten-free batters, which helps create light and airy textures. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024 For example, thin furniture legs and couches with clean lines can help a tight space look light and airy. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2024 Once cramped and decrepit, the new 850,000-square-foot, four-story terminal is now bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern amenities, and eye-catching public art. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Mar. 2024 The living room, at the home’s western end, is large and airy, bathed in shades of Barragán’s beloved vivid pink, which appears on the rug and upholstery. Max Berlinger, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 My Texas House Emerson Linen Stripe Light-Filtering Curtain Panel While curtains are an obvious necessity for privacy reasons, a light-filtering option keeps your space bright and airy. Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'airy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near airy

Cite this Entry

“Airy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/airy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 adverb
airiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on airy

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