merfolk

plural noun

mer·​folk
ˈmər,
ˈmə̄+ˌ-
: a legendary people of the sea having human head, trunk, and arms and the tail of a fish compare mermaid, merman

Word History

Etymology

mer- + folk

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near merfolk

Cite this Entry

“Merfolk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merfolk. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!