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 adjective

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

Dictionary Entries Near fairy

Cite this Entry

“Fairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fairy

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