fairy gold

noun

variants or fairy money

1

: money held to be given by fairies but turned into rubbish when put to use

2

: wealth or prosperity that may vanish as swiftly as it is acquired : precarious or illusory wealth

was to have been, according to those who profited most from its fairy gold, an era that would transcend the business cycle

—Stringfellow Barr

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now