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
The last time fans saw it, Shropshire stepped out of it wearing an elf costume and holding a game ball for Santa Claus (aka coach Andy Reid). Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025 Directed by Jon Favreau, the 2003 movie stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was accidentally raised by Santa's elves at the North Pole. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 The third elf does the same again, Leaving Santa with just one. Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024 There were scavenger hunts, tree decorating, dance classes, football clinics and, of course, pics with Santa and the elves. The Tennessean, 7 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near elf

Cite this Entry

“Elf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elf. Accessed 22 Feb. 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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