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

Glue some gemstones on your face and cosplay as a fairy princess again! — Loren Savini, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026

Lights from torches and Navi the fairy play off the floors and walls of dungeons with lavish detail, making metal glint and bringing out the cracks and contours of stone and tile. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

The figure’s outstretched hand holds up a tiny fairy-like woman at eye level. — Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026

For the longest time, there was this pretty, ethereal sound, as if a fairy were about to appear before me, but the fairy never appeared. — Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 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