Faeries: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in fantasy literature or conversations about mythical creatures, often having a magical and elegant connotation. This spelling is more archaic and is used to invoke a sense of old myths and legends.

• The ancient forest was said to be home to many faeries
• The tales of faeries often include their mischievous and beautiful nature

Commonly used in both everyday conversation and literature to refer to small, magical beings with wings, usually depicted as kind and helpful.

• Children love stories about fairies granting wishes
• The garden looked like a place where fairies might dwell

Generally used to describe small, magical beings closely associated with nature, often seen as spirits of the elements like water, air, or plants. They are usually less human-like than fairies or pixies.

• The water sprites could be seen frolicking in the stream
• Ancient myths tell of sprites that would sing to sailors and lead them to safe harbors

Refers to small, playful, and mischievous creatures often found in British and Celtic folklore. They are usually depicted as cute but with a penchant for causing harmless trouble.

• The legend says that pixies used to dance in this meadow under the moonlight
• The keys always seem to get lost; it must be the work of pixies