goblin

noun

ˈgä-blən How to pronounce goblin (audio)
Definition of goblinnext
as in fairy
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of goblin 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 The scientists only got a passing glimpse of the goblin shark before the lights and loud noise from the ROV's motor scared it away, Auscavitch told ABC News. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 June 2026 Researchers with the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Center found video of a deep-sea goblin shark in its natural environment in 2024 in the Pacific Ocean's Tonga Trench. — Mark Osborne, CBS News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for goblin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goblin
  1. fairy
  2. elf
  3. dwarf
Noun
  • Melissa, who affectionately calls her daughters Big Sis and Lil Sis online, says that the fairy holding an open book in her lap is representative of her older daughter who loves to read.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Fill yours with soft fairy lights, autumn potpourri, or Halloween candy.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • Ella is a young woman cursed to obey all instructions whose quest for self-determination also turns her into an advocate for the kingdom’s oppressed elves and ogres.
    — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The actress took to making videos of herself brushing and playing with her long hair while dressed as an elf, a maid or even Lavender Brown.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of elf
Noun
  • When a larger galaxy pulls apart a smaller dwarf galaxy, the dwarf’s stars can stretch into a stream — a cosmic breadcrumb trail of that encounter.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • To avoid this, sow dwarf crepe myrtles at least 4 to 6 feet apart, space standard-sized trees at least 8 feet from each other, and keep crepe myrtles of any size at least 3 feet away from fencing.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dwarf

Browse Nearby Words

goblets
goblin
goblins
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Cite this Entry

“Goblin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goblin. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on goblin

Nglish: Translation of goblin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goblin

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