elf

noun

ˈelf How to pronounce elf (audio)
Definition of elfnext
as in fairy
an imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous

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 elf In this way, just like the elves, the aes sidhe were very clearly associated with the divine. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 Guests to The Elf Experience will meet one of Santa’s helpers before entering Papa Elf’s storybook and heading to the North Pole to learn about the life of an elf. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 Lenny Rush will star as the house-elf Dobby, originally voiced by Toby Jones. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Elf Once again, the sphynx was crossed with another breed, this time the American Curl, to create the elf’s distinct look. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elf
  1. fairy
  2. dwarf
  3. goblin
  4. faerie
Noun
  • Lights from torches and Navi the fairy play off the floors and walls of dungeons with lavish detail, making metal glint and bringing out the cracks and contours of stone and tile.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The figure’s outstretched hand holds up a tiny fairy-like woman at eye level.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • Compact oaks like columnar English, dwarf chinkapin, and Texas red oak suit small spaces.
    — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Container citrus trees grow on dwarf rootstock and can be kept to a reasonable size through pruning.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of dwarf
Noun
  • The concept had the goblin going out to a bar, hoping to charm the princess.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of goblin
Noun
  • Would Azriel, the third and final bad-boy faerie of the Night Court’s royal family, end up with Elain, the unhappy and often forgotten youngest sister of the Night Court’s High Lady, Feyre?
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Maeve learns that the legends she was raised on — stories of faeries, kelpies and seelies — are actually true.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Definition of faerie

Browse Nearby Words

eleventh hours
elf
elfin
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Cite this Entry

“Elf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elf. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elf

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elf

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