goblin

noun

gob·​lin ˈgä-blən How to pronounce goblin (audio)
: an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious

Examples of goblin in a Sentence

dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween
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.
The hunger-desire gleaming in their eyes brought to mind that poem about goblin men selling goblin fruit. Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 In addition to the orange pumpkin, white ghost and green goblin, there will be a red zombie and a black cat. Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 15 Oct. 2025 Jack-o-lanterns, ghouls and goblins are around every corner, but the scariest creatures of all might be thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 Forget goblins and ghouls—being secretly watched and filmed by a stranger is one of my worst fears, especially as a solo female traveler. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goblin

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goblin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goblin. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

goblin

noun
gob·​lin ˈgäb-lən How to pronounce goblin (audio)
: an ugly, evil, or mischievous elf

More from Merriam-Webster on goblin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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