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elf

1 of 2

noun

plural elves ˈelvz How to pronounce elf (audio)
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
The kids will love hopping on the Polar Express for a 60-minute train ride to visit Santa and his elves. Rebecca Deurlein, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025 This holiday season, that catchy and unforgettable jingle will be ringing in our heads once more as Toys ‘R’ Us expands its reach just in time for Santa’s elves. Sarah Scott, Parents, 24 Nov. 2025 The film centers on Buddy (Ferrell), an elf who ventures from the North Pole to the Big Apple in hopes of connecting with his father (Caan). Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 21 Nov. 2025 How is Home and Garden TV related to a silly Christmas movie about a giant elf? Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 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 27 Nov. 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
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