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
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon the neighboring Christmas Town, with its mysterious artifacts like snow, carols, and elves. EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024 On the Santa Claus Express, families are encouraged to bring their cameras and capture a moment with the jolly old elf, who meets and greets passengers on this first-generation diesel locomotive. Allison Tibaldi, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024 On Thursday, tens of thousands of spectators were downtown for the 3-mile walk that features several floats, giant balloons, marching bands, clowns, Santa, elves, holiday music and much more. Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024 There are dancing elves and, of course, there are reindeer. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Nov. 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 17 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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