airy

[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.
5.
light in movement; graceful; delicate:
an airy step.
6.
light as air; unsubstantial; unreal; imaginary:
airy dreams.
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.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English ayery; see air1, -y1
Can be confused
aerie, airy.
Synonyms
4. jaunty, merry. 6. fanciful, illusory.
Examples from the web for airy
  • Branches and twigs became the walls and roofs of open, airy homes.
  • To let: bijou residence, airy and well-ventilated, patio garden.
  • Here's something which was light and airy but intellectually stimulating--ephemeral but patentable.
  • Meatballs are surprisingly light and airy, with a sauce forcefully studded with garlic cloves and shards of olive.
  • His rumbling low notes and airy higher ones, suggested sounds of nature.
  • It might as well be a dream, it's so light and airy.
  • Cheerful colors and lots of windows give the new kitchen an open, airy feel.
  • Crisp, light, and airy meringues get filled with strawberry frozen yogurt for a special occasion.
  • Light and airy, these soufflés are the perfect finale for a romantic evening.
  • Instead, mirrors add an airy elegance as they reflect light.
British Dictionary definitions for airy

airy

/ˈɛərɪ/
adjective airier, airiest
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

/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 Origin and History for airy
adj.

late 14c., "of the air, made of air," from air (n.1) + -y (2). Meaning "breezy" is attested from 1590s; that of "lively" is from 1640s. Sense of "vain, unsubstantial" is from 1580s. Disparaging airy-fairy is attested from 1920 (earlier in a sense of "delicate or light as a fairy," which is how Tennyson used it in 1830).