goblin

American  

[gob-lin] / ˈgɒb lɪn /

noun

1. a grotesque sprite or elf that is mischievous or malicious toward people.

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goblin British  

/ ˈɡɒblɪn /

noun

1. (in folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature, regarded as malevolent towards human beings

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Related Words

Goblin, gnome, gremlin refer to supernatural beings thought to be malevolent to people. Goblins are demons of any size, usually in human or animal form, that are supposed to assail, afflict, and even torture human beings: “Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damn'd, …” (Shakespeare, Hamlet I, iv ). Gnomes are small beings, like ugly little old men, who live in the earth, guarding mines, treasures, etc. They are mysteriously malevolent and terrify human beings by causing dreadful mishaps to occur. Gremlins are thought to disrupt machinery and are active in modern folklore.

Etymology

Origin of goblin

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gobelin, from Middle French, from Middle High German kobold “goblin”; kobold

Example Sentences

It is the fourth consecutive year that the public have played a part in picking Oxford's word of the year, after an inaugural public vote in 2022 saw "goblin mode" prevail.

From Barron's

Previous Oxford words of the year have included selfie, goblin mode and rizz.

From BBC

Paula Dewar and her family have, for years, covered their home and outside street with hordes of ghouls, ghosts and goblins.

From BBC

Gamergaters acted like they were all playing a big video game, but instead of killing zombies or goblins, the targets were real people.

From Salon

All around me are homes festooned with terrifying man-made skeletons, goblins, clowns and witches.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gnome
• gremlin