tooth fairy

[ tooth fair-ee ]

noun

1. a fairy credited with leaving a child money or a small gift in exchange for a baby tooth that has fallen out and been placed under the child's pillow at night.

Idioms and Phrases

A mythical source of bounty, as in So who will finance this venture—the tooth fairy? This expression refers to the fairy credited with leaving money under a child's pillow in place of a baby tooth that has fallen out, a practice popular with American parents since the first half of the 1900s.

Example Sentences

My older kid, Molly, was a bit too serious, so she had a gruff tooth fairy named “Fred.”

From Washington Post

There were days I was not inspired to sort through the receipts for my wedding reception or a tooth fairy door hanger that still had a baby tooth in it.

From Washington Post

And when God and Tinker Bell and the Tooth Fairy intervene, we have beautiful children and perfect lives.

From The Daily Beast

Sarah left saying that the Tooth Fairy should make sure to bring her teeth there.

From The Daily Beast

There was Boggle, the tooth fairy, Sesame Street, family pets, and school plays.

From The Daily Beast

I know that Pierson still truly believes in the Tooth Fairy.

From The Daily Beast

The Project Runway star on the financial (and other) consequences of letting your kids believe in the tooth fairy for too long.

From The Daily Beast