: a cause of error or equipment malfunction (as in aircraft) conceived of as a small mischievous gnome
Examples of gremlin in a Sentence
during the World Wars, fighter pilots adopted the fanciful notion that gremlins were responsible for mechanical failures on their planes
Recent Examples on the Web
The fluffy, gremlin-style dolls—hailed both cute and creepy—became a fashion trend and collectible over the last few months, with celebrities and social media fueling the fire.
—
Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
The colorful gremlins were often paired with bag charms, Trendalytics said saw 247 percent growth year-over-year.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
The popularity of the petite gremlins has spawned fakes.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Aug. 2025
With the ability to duplicate and turn into the titular monstrous creatures, the gremlins begin terrorizing Billy’s small town.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gremlin
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Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
The colorful gremlins were often paired with bag charms, Trendalytics said saw 247 percent growth year-over-year.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
The popularity of the petite gremlins has spawned fakes.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Aug. 2025
With the ability to duplicate and turn into the titular monstrous creatures, the gremlins begin terrorizing Billy’s small town.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gremlin
Cite this Entry
“Gremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gremlin. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gremlin
noun
grem·lin
ˈgrem-lən 
: a small mischievous or troublesome creature
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