# fairies

/ˈfɛɹiz/ (US) · /fˈeəɹɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fairies
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

small, magical creatures from old stories that usually have wings and special powers. They are often shown as tiny people who live in nature.

For teachers: plural form of 'fairy'; refers to mythical beings of folklore often depicted as small, winged humanoids possessing magical abilities.

## Examples

- The children believe that fairies live in the garden.
- In many traditional folk tales, fairies are not just cute creatures but can be quite mischievous or even dangerous to humans.
- The Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in fairies, as artists and writers sought to escape industrial reality through the whimsical and supernatural themes of folklore.

## Usage notes

- Plural form of 'fairy'; the spelling changes from '-y' to '-ies'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.