fairy

noun

ˈfer-ē How to pronounce fairy (audio)
plural fairies
Synonyms of fairynext
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 How to pronounce fairy (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fairy was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing fairy

Dictionary Entries Near fairy

fair white

fairy

fairy arrow

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Fairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairy. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

fairy

noun
ˈfa(ə)r-ē How to pronounce fairy (audio)
ˈfe(ə)r-
plural fairies
: an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magic powers
fairy adjective
fairylike
-ē-ˌlīk How to pronounce fairy (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fairy

Nglish: Translation of fairy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fairy

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