elf

1 of 2

noun

plural elves ˈelvz How to pronounce elf (audio)
Synonyms of elfnext
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
When the Christmas tree lighting happens, elves take over the streets with gift cards for local shops. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2025 The resulting list ranges from places with vibrant holiday markets and elaborate performances to towns with cherished local traditions such as lobster boat rides and an elf scavenger hunt. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 13 Dec. 2025 From young runners to older runners, thousands participated in Saturday's events, including one of Santa's elves. Marissa Armas, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025 Then when the sun shines nonstop during the summer months there is a crew of elves led by Santa who transition to the greenhouse to grow the vegetables to feed everyone in Santa's Village. Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!