elf

1 of 2

noun

plural elves ˈelvz How to pronounce elf (audio)
1
: a small often mischievous fairy
2
: a small lively creature
also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
elfish adjective
elfishly adverb

ELF

2 of 2

abbreviation

extremely low frequency

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Noun elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The entrance to elf land was about to be democratized. Literary Hub, 16 July 2025 That excitement, though, is never quite fulfilled in this story of two elf brothers (voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) who try to complete a spell to bring their father back to life for a day. Barry Levitt, Time, 26 June 2025 Moms are the do-it-all elves who make the holidays happen. Elizabeth Broadbent, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025 Mingle with enchanting wizards, witches, elves, fairies, princesses and dragons. Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for elf

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elf was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elf. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

elf

noun
plural elves ˈelvz How to pronounce elf (audio)
: a small and often mischievous fairy
elfish adjective
elfishly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on elf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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