elf

1 of 2

noun

ˈelf 

plural elves ˈelvz 

1

: a small often mischievous fairy

2

: a small lively creature

also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person

elfish

ˈel-fish 

adjective

elfishly adverb

ELF

2 of 2

abbreviation

extremely low frequency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plural of elf?

Although elfs may occasionally be found in print the accepted modern plural form of elf is elves. This follows the common method of pluralizing nouns in English ending in an –f (shelf/shelves, calf/calves). There are, it should be noted, numerous exceptions to this, such as roof/roofs, and serf/serfs.

Why are elves associated with Christmas?

Elves began to be associated with Christmas in the United State in the 19th century, following the publication of such works as Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," which described the titular figure as "a right jolly old elf."

What is the origin of the word elf?

Elf is a very old word, and has been with us not only in modern English, but in Middle and Old English as well (in Old English it was ælf). Dating in use from before the 12th century, elf has similarities to a number of related words in other languages, such as the Middle Low German alf ("incubus") and the Old Norse alfr ("elf").

Synonyms of elf

Noun

• fairy
• dwarf
• goblin
• faerie

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Noun

elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The puckish figure draws heavily on Nordic fairy tales, including stories of elves. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026

Not as great of a kids’ parade as the one at Christmas with elves and Santa Claus and toys and snowmen. —David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

The theft follows a similar incident in December, when members of the same group flooded into a Montreal grocery store dressed as Santa Clause and his elves, stealing food and leaving some of it gift-wrapped under a nearby Christmas tree. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

One of Magnason’s first jobs was at the National Archives of Iceland, where he was surrounded by books about the old Norse gods, colonial histories, and even stories about elves. —Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing elf

• elf owl

Rhymes for elf

• self
• shelf
• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• itself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself

Kids Definition

elf

noun

ˈelf 

plural elves ˈelvz 

: a small and often mischievous fairy

elfish

ˈel-fish 

adjective

elfishly adverb