airy–fairy

adjective \-ˈfer-ē\

: not having substance or purpose : not practical

Full Definition of AIRY-FAIRY

chiefly British : delicate, fairylike

chiefly British : lacking substance or purpose <in … an airy–fairy, unserious, insufficiently careful fashion — Times Literary Supplement>

See airy–fairy defined for English-language learners

1837

Next Word in the Dictionary: aisPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Airy diskAll Words Near: airy-fairy

What made you want to look up airy-fairy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears