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 Past racial tension between elves and humans is all but ignored in the plot. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Featuring humans, elves, orcs and other fantastical creatures engaging in wars, treasure hunts and campaigns, the D&D game, one of Hasbro’s key franchise brands hailing from Wizards of the Coast, is overseen by a host, known as the Dungeon Master, and employs a signature multisided dice. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025 Prince on the Shelf A young Prince Harry dressed up as a red and green elf to take part in his school's nativity play. — Stephanie Petit, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for elf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elf
  1. goblin
  2. dwarf
  3. faerie
Noun
  • Kids consider costumes ranging from spooky goblins to little angels, and parents begin considering how to ration the candy collected after a long night of trick-or-treating.
    — Sen. Dan Hall, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025
  • This is your starting point, and where the brother from the story encountered the water goblin.
    — Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Definition of goblin
Noun
  • Emperor tamarins are dwarf monkeys with whiskers that resemble a white moustache.
    — Robert Higgs, cleveland, 1 Feb. 2023
  • The dwarf variety grows to be about 5 to 7 feet, ideal for a small garden or accent in a room with limited space.
    — Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2023
Definition of dwarf
Noun
  • The Unseelie Court is the bastion of malevolent faeries who harm humans for their amusement or to exact revenge.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • That’s in addition to the strange creatures that roam the countryside such as faeries and dragon.
    — Rob Wieland, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
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 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on elf

Nglish: Translation of elf for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elf

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