goblin

noun

gob·​lin ˈgä-blən 

: an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious

Synonyms of goblin

• fairy
• elf
• dwarf

Examples of goblin in a Sentence

dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween

Recent Examples on the Web

The magical ring that helped Bilbo escape the goblins had become an instrument of addiction and mass political control. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026

Two years ago, the Man City phenom appeared in a 90-second spot for the game that saw him get recruited to storm a castle teeming with goblins, dragons and impish skeletons. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026

Follow the babe with the power into Jim Henson’s gloriously weird fantasy wonderland, where goblins sing, doors argue, and David Bowie’s Goblin King serves enough glam-rock charisma to power an entire kingdom. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 24 June 2026

After all, everyone's inner goblin comes out eventually. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gobelin, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gobelinus, ultimately from Greek kobalos rogue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for goblin

• hobgoblin

Kids Definition

goblin

noun

gob·​lin ˈgäb-lən 

: an ugly, evil, or mischievous elf