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
  • Decapitated, the fairy of Smoking with Oneself (2021–26) puffs a cigarette from the gaping red maw of her throat.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
  • The farm is also holding a Fairy Festival on July 18 and 19 featuring scavenger hunts, fairy stories and other activities in addition to the usual hayrides, petting farm and pony rides.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Definition of fairy
Noun
  • Reading allows children to live in a vibrant world, surrounded by fairies, elves and talking animals, transporting them to places where the impossible becomes real.
    — Michelle Kearney, The Conversation, 7 July 2026
  • Ferrell starred as Buddy in the 2003 Christmas classic, which focused on a human adopted by elves and raised as an elf in the North Pole until one day, as an adult, discovering his true identity.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of elf
Noun
  • And the question is whether the planets even have atmospheres, because M dwarfs are quite active.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 July 2026
  • Fell also recommends using tall plants for support, including okra or sweet corn; dwarf varieties of corn are known to do well in containers.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 July 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 18 Jul. 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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