elf

1 of 2

noun

plural elves ˈelvz How to pronounce elf (audio)
1
: a small often mischievous fairy
2
: a small lively creature
also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
elfish adjective
elfishly adverb

ELF

2 of 2

abbreviation

extremely low frequency

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Noun elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous
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.
Noun
In this fiction, the Crusades were not waged against Moors, but against elves – a race said to devour the flesh of humans, among other atrocities that are neither confirmed nor denied by the end of the story. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 After a season filled with villainous elves, the resurrection of Kandy Muse's iconically hideous pockets look, and budding relationships in the Werk Room (and the bedroom), RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 crowned a winner. EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, as friendships across the kingdoms are strained by the ripple effects of the Dark Lord’s actions, the forces of good — elves, dwarves, men, Harfoots and a wizard named Gandalf (Weyman) — try to valiantly hold on to what matters to them most of all: each other. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 May 2025 Photograph: Ying Tang/Getty Images While children are told stories about elves and reindeer, the truth is that hundreds of thousands of people work year-round to make sure Christmas feels magical. Zeyi Yang, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elf

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English ælf; akin to Old Norse alfr elf & perhaps to Latin albus white — more at alb

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elf was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elf. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

elf

noun
plural elves ˈelvz How to pronounce elf (audio)
: a small and often mischievous fairy
elfish adjective
elfishly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on elf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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