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

But she is still most ecstatic when the tooth fairy tucks a single crisp bill under her pillow.

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A smile revealed two missing front teeth, and they talked about the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny.

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I like letting them believe in Santa or the tooth fairy.

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He told stories about getting money from the tooth fairy and how his savings have eclipsed $100.

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How much did they get from the tooth fairy?

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