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 fairy2: a small lively creature ; also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person

— elf·ish \ˈel-fish\ adjective

— elf·ish·ly adverb