gnome

1 of 2

noun (1)

gnome

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: an ageless and often deformed dwarf of folklore who lives in the earth and usually guards treasure
2
: an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus that inhabits earth
gnomelike adjective
gnomish adjective

Examples of gnome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The charming gnome is decked out in all white to resemble an angel and features a subtle glitter material on its hat and around the hem of its dress—just enough to add a touch of sparkle. Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2023 Director Josh Greenbaum breaks down his filthy canine comedy — from working with dog divas to training his stars to hump garden gnomes. Devan Coggan, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2023 An open gate with two Klan gnomes on top ushers visitors into the next gallery. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024 This two-piece set with Mr. and Mrs. Valentine's gnomes is an adorable way to highlight the romantic angle of this holiday. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 30 Jan. 2024 Customize each Christmas gnome with colorful felt and wood beads. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 This year’s breakout star is a gnome; the company traces its popularity to the success of Cottagecore, an ethos that embraces rustic living. Priya Krishna, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023 Remember the gnomes from last year’s holiday offerings? Cindy Bruecks, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Dec. 2023 Get a head start on Christmas decor with this adorable gnome canister set. Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gnome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know — more at know

Noun (2)

French, from New Latin gnomus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1563, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gnome was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near gnome

Cite this Entry

“Gnome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnome. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gnome

noun
ˈnōm
: a small manlike creature of folklore living inside the earth and guarding precious ore or treasure
gnomish
ˈnō-mish
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gnome

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