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

Saturday, utilizes 56,000 square feet of indoor space to host more than 200 vendors, sword-fighting, costume contests, live musicians, mermaids, fairies and photo ops. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Their feelings change when Fran has an encounter with Silky (Nicola Coughlan of Bridgerton), an exuberant fairy, who invites her to join her for tea at the Magic Faraway Tree. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

But golden-haired mining bees can be found in other states, unlike the California fairy bee (Perdita californica) which is endemic to California and Baja. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Sit beneath the fairy lights by the fireplace with a charcuterie board, hummus, and a glass of rosé in hand. — Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 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