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

In “Cinderella,” she said, the fairy godmother turned a pumpkin into a carriage, and Koskey said she’s hoping her own fairy godmother will turn “a pumpkin into my old house again.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

Performing at the ceremony, organisers wanted Emily to descend from the rafters, playing Nothing Matters' guitar solo "like the fairy godmother who comes down in a bubble" in David Lynch's Wild At Heart.

From BBC • Oct. 15, 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

Or maybe my fairy godmother would do it, if I knew where to find her.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine