Definition

Noun: A mythical, benevolent fairy figure in Western folklore. The Tooth Fairy is said to secretly visit children after they have lost a baby tooth. The tradition holds that if a child places the lost tooth under their pillow at night, the Tooth Fairy will take the tooth and leave a small amount of money or a gift in its place.

Usage

The term "tooth fairy" is used as a proper noun, often capitalized, to refer to this specific character. It is primarily used in the context of childhood, family traditions, and folklore.

Examples: * My daughter lost her first tooth and is excited for the tooth fairy to visit. * We told our son that the Tooth Fairy left him a dollar under his pillow. * The story of the tooth fairy helps comfort young children when their teeth fall out.

Advanced Usage

• "tooth fairy" as a concept: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a naive belief in benevolent, unseen forces that provide rewards, often in a skeptical or dismissive way.
  • Example: "If you think the company will give you a raise just for working hard, you still believe in the tooth fairy."

Variants and Related Words

• Tooth Fairy (capitalized): The standard form when referring to the character as a proper noun.
• The fairy: Sometimes used as a shortened, informal reference within the familiar context.
  • Example: "Did the fairy come last night?"

Synonyms

• None that are direct equivalents, as it is a specific cultural figure. Related concepts include:
  • Mythical being
  • Childhood legend
  • Folklore character

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Believe in the tooth fairy: To be credulous or overly idealistic.
  • Example: "You'd have to believe in the tooth fairy to think that plan will work."

Noun

1. a fairy that is said to leave money at night under a child's pillow to compensate for a baby tooth falling out