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

Synonyms

Noun

• brownie
• dwarf
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• fay
• gnome
• goblin
• gremlin
• hobgoblin
• kobold
• leprechaun
• pixie
• pixy
• puck
• sprite
• troll

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Noun

elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The holiday classic featured Ferrell as the childlike Buddy, an adult human raised by elves on the North Pole. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024

One of the most legendary elves in Middle-earth is finally coming to the screen in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 11 July 2024

For this reason, my most personal accessory wouldn't be a necklace or a bag, but rather my elf ears. —Hot Plebe As Told To Natasha Lopez, refinery29.com, 21 Feb. 2024

Gygax had co-written a medieval fantasy game inspired by The Lord of the Rings, full of elves and orcs. —David M. Perry, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

elf

noun

ˈelf 

plural elves ˈelvz 

: a small and often mischievous fairy

elfish

ˈel-fish 

adjective

elfishly adverb