goblin

[gob-lin]

noun

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

goblin

/ ˈɡɒblɪn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of goblin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of goblin¹

C14: from Old French, from Middle High German kobolt; compare _cobalt

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

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

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

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The spell is only broken when the night ends, not with an out-of-control orc or goblin but with something far more mundane: a bill.

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Six lumbering goblins covered in black armor strode toward them in the moonlight.

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“So, are you going to wear a costume for Halloween? It’s Wednesday, you know. Halloween is when the ghosts and goblins come out to play,” he explained.

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Related Words

• gnome 
• gremlin