fairˈyism noun

fairˈylike adjective and adverb

1. Like fairies or like something in fairyland
2. Very delicate and charming

fairˈy-beads plural noun

Joints of the stems of fossil sea lilies, or crinoids

fairy-buttˈer noun

A name applied in N England to certain gelatinous fungi

fairy cake noun

A small sponge cake, usu iced or decorated

faiˈry-cycle noun

A small child's bicycle

fairy godmother noun

A benefactress (or, loosely, a benefactor), esp an unexpected one

fairˈyland noun

1. The country of the fairies
2. An enchanting place

fairy light noun

(usu in pl) a small light used as decoration, esp on Christmas trees

fairˈy-money or fairy gold noun

1. Money reputedly given by fairies, which changes into withered leaves, slate, stones, etc
2. Money that comes unsought, hence, illusory riches

fairy moss noun

A small floating fern, Azolla caroliniana

fairy penguin noun

The smallest of the penguins, Eudyptula minor (also called korora or little (blue) penguin)

fairy ring noun

A ring of darker-coloured grass due to outward spread of a fungus (as the fairy-ring mushroom or champignon, Marasmius oreades), attributed to the dancing of fairies

fairy shrimp noun

A small crustacean (genus Branchinecta) that lives in fresh or brackish water

fairˈy-stone noun

1. A fossil sea-urchin
2. A concretion

fairy story or fairy tale noun

1. A story about fairies or other supernatural beings
2. A folk tale
3. A romantic tale
4. An incredible tale
5. A lie (euphemistic)
6. A marvel

fairy tale see fairy story above.

fairˈytale adjective

Beautiful, fortunate, etc, as in a fairy tale

fairy wren noun

A small Australian songbird (genus Malurus), the male of which displays colourful plumage

away with the fairies (informal)

1. In a state of abstraction
2. Given to daydreaming