fairy tale

== English == === Alternative forms === (dated) fairy-tale, fairytale, (rare) faerie tale === Etymology === Calque of French conte de fées, coined by French writer Madame d'Aulnoy in the late 17th century. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): (General American) /ˈfɛɹi ˌteɪl/, (Received Pronunciation) /ˈfeəɹi ˌteɪl/ === Noun === fairy tale (plural fairy tales) A folktale or literary story featuring fairies or similar fantasy characters. (uncountable) The literary genre of these stories. (figurative) A fabricated or misleading account meant to deceive, such as an exaggerated excuse. (figurative) A delightful and ideal situation of a kind attained by very few. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === fairy story