fairy godmother

American  

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

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of fairy godmother

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

As Roy writes, "The LGBTQ+ movement was young in India. Hungry for a queer history, it seemed to have seized on Chapal Bhaduri to be its fairy godmother."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

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

Like a modern-day fairy godmother, she gives people the chance to rock high-end dresses and outfits they might not be able to otherwise afford at proms, job interviews, weddings and other special events.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2023

But my fairy godmother said Lucinda was the only one who could remove it.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine