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
Even with those issues, Rock still managed to sell the first main sketch of the night, about a Christmas mall elf giving parents the uncomfortable choice between a white Santa (James Austin Johnson) and a Black Santa (Devon Walker) for their kids. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024 Although the elves will be on display 24 hours a day, they will only be animated at the following times: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 15 Dec. 2024 He’s got Gir (his mint-green robot/fake dog/sidekick/fan favorite) dressed as an extra cuddly elf by his side. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 Dec. 2024 After leaving home and meeting up with a ragtag team of Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius the prospector, a gaggle of misfit toys, and the Abominable Snow Monster, Rudolph returns home to save Christmas using his nose to guide Santa's sleigh through adverse weather. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024 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 Dec. 2024.

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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