fairy godmother

American  

[fair-ee god-muhth-er] / ˈfɛər i ˈgɒdˌmʌð ər /

noun

• fairy godmothers
  plural

1. a kindly sponsor or guardian; godmother.

2. a fairy-tale character who uses magical powers to help a hero or heroine.

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fairy godmother British  

noun

1. a character in certain fairy stories who brings unexpected benefits to the hero or heroine

2. any benefactress, esp an unknown one

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fairy godmother Idioms  

1. A generous benefactor, as in An anonymous fairy godmother donated the money for the new organ. This expression alludes to a stock character in fairy tales such as Cinderella, who gives unexpected and much needed assistance. [Late 1800s]

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• fairy godmothers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of fairy godmother

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fairy godmother

"Role modelling kindness is a great message to young people, that someone out there is like a fairy godmother looking after them," she said.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2025

Founder and executive producer Andrés Rigal, part master of ceremonies and part fairy godmother, prowls the line, handpicking the most striking attendees and sending them past the bouncer with a nod and a smile.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2025

If your greatest wish is for McDonald’s to offer a Luther Burger, your fairy godmother has good news.

From Slate ● Mar. 29, 2024

Who doesn’t love a fairy godmother who can make a few calls to reduce your problems if not make them entirely vanish?

From Salon ● Jan. 9, 2024

The fairy godmother warned Cinderella that she had to leave the ball by midnight because the magic spells would wear off then.

From "The Cinderella Ballet Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #4" by Carolyn Keene