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goblin

noun
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gob·​lin | \ ˈgä-blən How to pronounce goblin (audio) \

Definition of goblin

: an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious
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Examples of goblin in a Sentence

dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween
Recent Examples on the Web Ghouls and goblins were whizzing through Forest Park this past weekend as the village held its 8th annual casket races. — Steve Schering, chicagotribune.com, "Casket races get Halloween rolling for Oak Park, River Forest residents," 30 Oct. 2019 This Halloween warehouse experience boasts three stages of live music, goblins, ghouls and Halloween fools. — oregonlive, "2019 Portland Halloween guide: Corn mazes, haunted houses, festivals and more," 1 Oct. 2019 Unfortunately, these items are sold out online where people bought them the normal way with money (not by giving birth, as that is the kind of bargain only typically made by goblins in fairy tales). — Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "New babies getting warm welcome courtesy of Cheddar’s," 18 Nov. 2019 There’s also a scene of witches, goblins and other spooky creatures dancing around the protagonist’s casket. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "Witches? Murder? Opium? Orlando Philharmonic explores ‘insane’ symphony," 12 Nov. 2019 That’s 555 kernels of candy corn, enough to feed a neighborhood of goblins. — Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, "Halloween stirs childhood memories of sweet treats. But adulthood means putting that sweet tooth in check.," 29 Oct. 2019 The Halloween clock is ticking and little ghosts and goblins are eager to get started on their trick or treating rounds. — Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, "What time does trick or treating start? Halloween 2019 weather forecast," 31 Oct. 2019 Motorists are reminded to be extra careful, as many young ghosts and goblins will be taking to the streets for the annual ritual. — Carol Kovach, cleveland, "All 4 One Fun Run raises $30,000 for Westlake Elementary School: West Shore Chatter," 30 Oct. 2019 TooJay’s Deli has a not-too-spooky Halloween-week deal: Little ghosts and goblins eat free with purchase of an adult entree starting Saturday, Oct. 26, through Nov. 4. — Doreen Christensen, sun-sentinel.com, "Freebie Friday: Free $25 Best Buy gift cards, free eats for kids and first responders at TooJay’s and Hooters," 25 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'goblin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of goblin

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for goblin

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

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Time Traveler for goblin

Time Traveler

The first known use of goblin was in the 14th century

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Statistics for goblin

Last Updated

23 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Goblin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goblin. Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for goblin

goblin

noun
How to pronounce goblin (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of goblin

in stories : an ugly and sometimes evil creature that likes to cause trouble

See the full definition for goblin in the English Language Learners Dictionary

goblin

noun
gob·​lin | \ ˈgä-blən How to pronounce goblin (audio) \

Kids Definition of goblin

: an ugly and often evil imaginary creature

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More from Merriam-Webster on goblin

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for goblin

Spanish Central: Translation of goblin

Nglish: Translation of goblin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of goblin for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goblin

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