Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Idly /īd'-lē/ · I·dly · IPA /ˈaɪd(ə)lɪ/ 01 adv. In a idle manner; ineffectually; vainly; lazily; carelessly; (Obs.) foolishly. 1. In a idle manner; ineffectually; vainly; lazily; carelessly; (Obs.) foolishly.[Obs.]