noun Uncommon

fay

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Fay (noun) means a fairy or fairy-like being (a somewhat old-fashioned literary word). Example: “The forest was said to be home to fays and other spirits.”

noun

A fairy or fairy-like being (a somewhat old-fashioned literary word).

"The forest was said to be home to fays and other spirits."

verb

To fit two pieces of material closely and tightly together, especially in carpentry or shipbuilding.

"The staves must be fayed carefully so the barrel doesn't leak."

How to use fay

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA literary word for a fairy, or a carpentry term meaning to fit pieces snugly together.

When to use it

Both senses are rare and mostly literary or technical today.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: fays
Third person singular: fays
Past tense: fayed
Comparative: more fay
Superlative: most fay

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The forest was said to be home to _____ and other spirits.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English feyen or feien, from Old English fēġan (“to join, unite”), from Proto-West Germanic *fōgijan, from Proto-Germanic *fōgijaną (“to join”), from *fōgō (“joint, slot”), from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂ḱ- (“to fasten, place”). It is akin to Saterland Frisian fougje (“to join, add”), West Frisian foegje (“to join, add”), Dutch voegen (“to add, place”), German Low German fögen (“to join, add”), German fügen (“to connect”), and Old English fōn (“to catch”). More at fang.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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fairy faery faerie sprite attach put together

Related words

break couple link build join fix bond tie

Rhymes for fay

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

See all rhymes for fay →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fay” mean?

The word “fay” means a fairy or fairy-like being (a somewhat old-fashioned literary word). In plain terms, a literary word for a fairy, or a carpentry term meaning to fit pieces snugly together.

How do you pronounce “fay”?

“Fay” is pronounced fay (/feɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “fay” in a sentence?

Here is “fay” used in a sentence: “The forest was said to be home to fays and other spirits.”

What is another word for “fay”?

Words with a similar meaning to “fay” include attach and put together.

What part of speech is “fay”?

Depending on how it is used, “fay” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “fay” a common word?

“Fay” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “fay” have?

“Fay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fairy or fairy-like being (a somewhat old-fashioned literary word).

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