The realm of faerie; enchantment, illusion.
"The wizard spoke of a fairy not as a creature, but as an elusive state of magic and dreamlike wonder that only exists in the mind's eye."
In plain English: A fairy is a tiny magical creature from stories that can fly and use magic powers.
"The children looked at each other in disbelief when they saw what appeared to be a fairy dancing on the moonlit lawn."
Usage: Use the noun form to refer specifically to mythical winged creatures or small magical beings rather than using it as an adjective for something whimsical. When describing a fantastical atmosphere or realm, prefer terms like "faerie" or use phrases such as "the land of fairies."
Like a fairy; fanciful, whimsical, delicate.
"The artist created a fairy garden filled with tiny, whimsical sculptures made of spun glass and wildflowers."
"The fairy lights twinkled softly in the dark room."
The word entered English around 1330 from Old French faerie, originally referring to enchantment or illusion. It soon shifted in meaning to describe the realm of magical beings and their collective inhabitants.