gremlin

noun

grem·​lin ˈgrem-lən 

: a cause of error or equipment malfunction (as in aircraft) conceived of as a small mischievous gnome

Synonyms of gremlin

• fairy
• elf
• goblin
• dwarf

Examples of gremlin in a Sentence

during the World Wars, fighter pilots adopted the fanciful notion that gremlins were responsible for mechanical failures on their planes

Recent Examples on the Web

The gremlin then multiplies and creates chaos in Billy’s small town during the holiday season. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

The Jags passer, much like Rodriguez, is a preeminent goal-line gremlin. — Brad Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The rental gremlin is the structure of the rules, in effect in varying forms since World War II. — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Rather, those little, unseen gremlins just proliferate in silence. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gremlin

• kremlin

Kids Definition

gremlin

noun

grem·​lin ˈgrem-lən 

: a small mischievous or troublesome creature