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 of fairy

• elf
• faerie
• dwarf
• goblin
• pixie
• sprite

Examples of fairy in a Sentence

fairies are part of the folklore of many countries and cultures

Recent Examples on the Web

Here’s where the story gets sprinkled with fairy dust. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 June 2026

Indulge in a little whimsy with this manicure that’s fit for a garden fairy. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 June 2026

Meander through a lush, fairy-worthy tapestry of ivy and narrow pathways forged throughout the B&B's history. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 June 2026

Flower garlands, fairy lights everywhere, pretty appetizers and edible floral cocktails. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fairye, feyrye "enchantment, realm of mythical beings with magic powers, such beings collectively, an individual being," borrowed from Anglo-French faerie "witchcraft, enchantment" (also continental Old French) from fee, faie "such a being" (going back to Late Latin Fāta, one of the Fates, feminine derivative of Latin fātum fate entry 1) + -rie -ry

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

Rhymes for fairy

• aerie
• airy
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• ferry
• hairy

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