gauzy

Gauzy is an English adjective used to describe something that is thin, translucent, and delicate, or something that has a light, hazy, or ethereal appearance. The term derives from gauze, a lightweight, open-weave fabric known for its sheer quality, and it is often applied to fabrics, veils, and curtains that permit significant light passage. Beyond textiles, gauzy can describe atmospheres, light, or textures that feel almost see-through or dreamlike.

In descriptive writing and criticism, gauzy conveys fragility, softness, or a veil-like quality. It is frequently paired with words such as light, veil, mist, or glow to evoke an impression of subdued clarity and gentle illumination. The term is common in discussions of photography and film to characterize soft, diffused lighting that reduces sharpness and creates a hazy mood. Related terms include diaphanous, sheer, airy, and translucent.

Common uses describe both tangible and intangible subjects. A gauzy fabric curtain or a gauzy scarf emphasizes a barely-there, wispy transparency, while in nature or ambience, gauzy light or gauzy sunset suggests a mellow, filtered brightness. The word is primarily descriptive and literary rather than technical, and it appears across fashion, design, and artistic discourse to convey mood through texture and luminosity.