gnome

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈnōm 

: maxim, aphorism

gnome

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: an ageless and often deformed dwarf of folklore who lives in the earth and usually guards treasure

2

: an elemental being in the theory of Paracelsus that inhabits earth

gnomelike

ˈnōm-ˌlīk 

adjective

gnomish

ˈnō-mish 

adjective

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• brownie
• dwarf
• elf
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• fay
• goblin
• gremlin
• hobgoblin
• kobold
• leprechaun
• pixie
• pixy
• puck
• sprite
• troll

Examples of gnome in a Sentence

Noun (2)

in Europe, gnomes are thought to guard underground treasure, so that may be why statues of them are commonly placed in gardens

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Buyers were rarer than scarlet tanagers in New York, the market gnome and birdwatcher said. —Brian Domitrovic, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

More:Target has up to 65% off artificial Christmas trees, gnome decor, ornaments and more 15. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024

In the early days of Azeroth, those who made a night elf character would find themselves on the opposite end of the world from the rest of their faction, the humans, dwarves, and gnomes of the Alliance. —Cameron Koch, Rolling Stone, 23 Nov. 2024

Guests can see a tree decorated with handmade wooden ornaments, gnomes and woodland creatures, while another features Hallmark Santa ornaments. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know — more at know

Noun (2)

French, from New Latin gnomus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1563, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gnome

noun

ˈnōm

: a small manlike creature of folklore living inside the earth and guarding precious ore or treasure

gnomish

ˈnō-mish

adjective