fairy

noun

ˈfer-ē 

plural fairies

1

: a mythical being of folklore and romance usually having diminutive human form and magic powers

2

slang, offensive : a gay person

—used as a term of abuse and disparagement

fairy adjective

fairylike

ˈfer-ē-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms

• brownie
• dwarf
• elf
• faerie
• faery
• fay
• gnome
• goblin
• gremlin
• hobgoblin
• kobold
• leprechaun
• pixie
• pixy
• puck
• sprite
• troll

Examples of fairy in a Sentence

fairies are part of the folklore of many countries and cultures

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fairie fairyland, enchantment, from Anglo-French faerie, from fee fairy, from Latin Fata, goddess of fate, from fatum fate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fairy

• airy-fairy
• fairy cake
• fairy godmother
• fairy ring
• fairy shrimp
• fairy tale
• the tooth fairy
• tooth fairy

Kids Definition

fairy

noun

ˈfa(ə)r-ē 

ˈfe(ə)r-

plural fairies

: an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magic powers

fairy adjective

fairylike

-ē-ˌlīk 

adjective