Main Entry: elf

Pronunciation: \ˈelf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural elves \ˈelvz\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ælf; akin to Old Norse alfr elf & perhaps to Latin albus white — more at alb

Date: before 12th century

1 : a small often mischievous fairy
2 : a small lively creature; also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person

— elf·ish \ˈel-fish\ adjective

— elf·ish·ly adverb