elfin

adjective

elf·​in ˈel-fən 

1

a

: of, relating to, or produced by an elf

b

: resembling an elf especially in its tiny size

elfin portions

2

: having an otherworldly or magical quality or charm

Synonyms of elfin

• charismatic
• charming
• appealing
• attractive
• enchanting
• seductive

Examples of elfin in a Sentence

They were delighted with the child's elfin charm.

the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible

Recent Examples on the Web

That effort also brought back the rare frosted elfin butterfly for the first time in decades. —Diana Stralberg, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025

Belying the heavy set of his frame, TR’s bodily extremities were by contrast a shade off—evident in elfin ears and tiny feet. —Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025

This frog, with its long fingers and large red eyes, was found perched on tree branches in an elfin forest. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, as Hjalmar’s 14-year-old daughter, Hedvig, the elfin Maaike Laanstra-Corn is delivering yet another wonderfully eccentric embodiment of a high-strung tween with a potentially perilous excess of imagination. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

irregular from elf

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

elfin

adjective

elf·​in ˈel-fən 

1

: of or relating to elves

2

: resembling an elf

especially : having a strange beauty or charm