fairy ring

noun

1. any of numerous mushrooms of meadows and open woods, especially the well-known Marasmius oreades, that spread in rings originating from mycelial growth: formerly supposed to mark the paths laid by dancing fairies.

fairy ring

noun

1. a ring of dark luxuriant vegetation in grassy ground corresponding to the edge of an underground fungal mycelium: popularly associated with the dancing of fairies: seasonally marked by a ring of mushrooms
2. short for fairy ring mushroom, Marasmius oreades , a dainty buff-coloured edible basidiomycetous fungus, characteristically forming rings in grassland

Word History and Origins

Origin of fairy ring¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

For years, fairy circles—named for their resemblance to the circular formation of mushrooms known as “fairy rings”—have fascinated scientists and stirred up an intense debate over their provenance.

From Scientific American

If you ever made fairy rings as a child, the Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve, located near Seabeck, has a hike you’ll like.

From Seattle Times

But in the ongoing scientific discussion of these fairy rings, microbes may have just joined the party.

From New York Times

Still, we head to Prospect Park almost every afternoon to run races, climb trees, fly kites, squelch in mud puddles or search for fairy rings.

From New York Times

“If you ever have your pet eat even a small piece of a fairy ring mushroom, get it out ASAP,” Barry wrote on Facebook.

From Fox News