fairy tale

American  

[fair-ee teyl] / ˈfɛər i ˌteɪl /

noun

1. a story, usually for children, about elves, hobgoblins, dragons, fairies, or other magical creatures.

2. an incredible or misleading statement, account, or belief.

   His story of being a millionaire is just a fairy tale.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or suggesting a fairy tale.

   a fairy-tale castle.

2. idealized or romantic, often to an unrealistic extent.

   Many people still want to believe in true love and fairy-tale endings.

fairy-tale ¹ British  

adjective

1. of or relating to a fairy tale

2. resembling a fairy tale, esp in being extremely happy or fortunate

   a true story with a fairy-tale ending

3. highly improbable

   he came out with a fairy-tale account of his achievements

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fairy tale ² British  

noun

1. a story about fairies or other mythical or magical beings, esp one of traditional origin told to children

2. a highly improbable account

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Etymology

Origin of fairy tale

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

The text is as rhythmic and spare as the oldest fairy tales, its water-cool tone contrasting eerily with the mouse’s escalating peril.

From New York Times

The scene is like something you might encounter in a fairy tale.

From Washington Post

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales - Albert Einstein."

From Fox News

"I believe as people we all want the fairy tale life and by the way I’ve posted … my life seems to look and be pretty amazing … I think that’s what we all strive for !!!!"

From Fox News

For one team, nevertheless, the Olympics are turning into something of a fairy tale.

From New York Times