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.

From Washington Post

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

How much did they get from the tooth fairy?

From Washington Post