elf

1 of 2

noun

ˈelf

plural elves ˈelvz

Synonyms of elf next

: a small often mischievous fairy

: a small lively creature

also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person

elfish

ˈel-fish

adjective

elfishly adverb

ELF

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Noun elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In one image, an elf can be spotted sitting in a pot on the stove — which, for him, is unfortunately turned on and full of marshmallows. —

Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 23 Dec. 2022 From a talking candlestick to a rambunctious elf, here are the 2022 Orlando Sentinel honorees for featured actor in a musical as selected by theater critic Matthew J. Palm. —

Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2022 Named for his elf-like appearance as a puppy, Dobby is all ears. —

Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2022 Either way, your affinity for elf culture won’t go unappreciated. —

Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2022 His middle son crouches to place an elf hat on Herman as Nicole and Maverick also smile on the side. —

Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 26 Dec. 2022 After giving him a monocle, a curly mustache, a soul patch and drawings on his forehead, North carefully placed the eyeliner in the elf's arm next to her brother. —

Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 25 Dec. 2022 The inspiration for his design is believed to be the elf who adorned bottles of the Atlas Beverage Company’s Brownie caramel cream root beer. —

Jonas Shaffer, Baltimore Sun, 17 Dec. 2022 The landscapes and beings can be recognizable to different users (a mechanical elf is a popular recurring visitor). —

Justin Higginbottom, The New Republic, 3 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.