fairy

[ fair-ee ]
/ ˈfɛər i /

noun, plural fair·ies.

(in folklore) one of a class of supernatural beings, generally conceived as having a diminutive human form and possessing magical powers with which they intervene in human affairs.
Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a male homosexual.

adjective

of or relating to fairies: fairy magic.
of the nature of a fairy; fairylike.

Origin of fairy

1250–1300; Middle English faierie < Old French: enchantment, fairyland. See fay1, -ery

SYNONYMS FOR fairy

1 pixy, leprechaun. Fairy, brownie, elf, sprite are terms for imaginary beings usually less than human size, thought to be helpful or harmful to people. Fairy is the most general name for such beings: a good fairy as a godmother; misadventures caused by an evil fairy. A brownie is a good-natured tiny being who appears usually at night to do household tasks: Perhaps the brownies will come and mow the lawn tonight. Elf suggests a young, mischievous or roguish fairy: That child is a perfect little elf. Sprite suggests a fairy of pleasing appearance, older than an elf, to be admired for ease and lightness of movement; it may, however, be impish or even hostile: a dainty sprite.

Example sentences from the Web for fairy

British Dictionary definitions for fairy

fairy
/ (ˈfɛərɪ) /

noun plural fairies

an imaginary supernatural being, usually represented in diminutive human form and characterized as clever, playful, and having magical powers
slang a male homosexual
away with the fairies informal out of touch with reality

adjective (prenominal)

of or relating to a fairy or fairies
resembling a fairy or fairies, esp in being enchanted or delicate

Derived forms of fairy

fairy-like, adjective

Word Origin for fairy

C14: from Old French faerie fairyland, from feie fairy, from Latin Fāta the Fates; see fate, fay 1

Idioms and Phrases with fairy

fairy