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

The farm is also holding a Fairy Festival on July 18 and 19 featuring scavenger hunts, fairy stories and other activities in addition to the usual hayrides, petting farm and pony rides. — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026

Halloween fairy garden mini house decor to tuck into your outdoor garden for a low-effort, high-charm accent. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Reading allows children to live in a vibrant world, surrounded by fairies, elves and talking animals, transporting them to places where the impossible becomes real. — Michelle Kearney, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

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