bedtime story

fairy tail

A fairy tale is a story, often intended for children, that features fanciful and wondrous characters such as elves, goblins, wizards, and fairies. These tales are often characterized by magical elements and imaginative settings. They can convey moral lessons or entertain with fantastical adventures.

Definition

bedtime story
noun
Synonyms of bedtime story
: a story read or recounted to someone (such as a child) at bedtime

Examples of bedtime story in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Depletion Burnout Imagine a parent who once cherished bedtime stories, playful afternoons and shared laughter with their children.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Over the years, the capabilities of AI have significantly advanced, giving digital chatbots the ability to tell bedtime stories to children, detect emotions in human users and offer suggestions for breathing exercises.
—Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024
In the meantime, a generous weight limit of 250 pounds means parents can comfortably snuggle in for bedtime stories.
—Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2025
Percy Jackson, a demigod with ADHD and dyslexia, was born out of Riordan's own son's struggles with both and the bedtime stories the author told him, to make his son feel less alone.
—Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History
First Known Use
1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedtime story was in 1868
See more words from the same year