elf
99
6.1
- noun
- /ɛlf/
- Literature
:
elfo
- You were Santa, I was an elf.
Joining us now is the head elf of Chico, CA.
- Joining us now is the head elf of Chico, CA.
- Would you say you're a more believable elf than this person?
- This petty little elf is just taunting Conan.
- Is it this one elf king that's immortal, right?
Examples
-
He's a Christmas elf.
-
I'm the worst head elf in history!
-
Well, he was dressed funny, like an elf.
-
The appearance of the elf among them was greeted by wild cheers.
Fiction book (1992) -
In the folklore, an elf is often shown helping Santa during the holiday season.
-
The elf used his magical powers to help the villagers celebrate the festival.
-
Children love stories about an elf who plays tricks and brings joy at Christmas.
Synonyms
417
2.7
A small imagined being that looks like a person and has magic
105
8.3
A small, ugly creature that causes trouble for people
85
9.1
A small tricky fairy in Irish stories who hides a pot of gold
33
8.4
A small magical creature with pointed ears that plays tricks
23
8.3
An imaginary creature that secretly causes problems with machines and planes
5
9.6
A small naughty creature from old stories, like a little demon
3
9.6
A small helpful household fairy that does chores at night
1
9.9
A small naughty fairy in English folk tales that plays tricks
1
9.9
A small magical being in old stories, like a fairy
A small spirit in old stories that sometimes helps or bothers people
Compounds
- Specialized
A small bright red mushroom shaped like a cup that grows on the forest floor
How Small
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word elf comes from an old German word ælf and the Norse álfr, which meant 'a small, magical being' who could help people or play tricks. That's why an elf today is a small, often mischievous creature with pointed ears and magic.