elf
[ elf ]
/ ɛlf /
noun, plural elves [elvz] /ɛlvz/.
(in folklore) one of a class of preternatural beings, especially from mountainous regions, with magical powers, given to capricious and often mischievous interference in human affairs, and usually imagined to be a diminutive being in human form; sprite; fairy.
a diminutive person, especially a child.
a mischievous person, especially a child.
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Nearby words
Origin of elf
before 1000; Middle English, back formation from elven, Old English elfen nymph (i.e., female elf), variant of ælfen; see elfin
Related formself·like, adjective
Definition for elf (2 of 2)
Also elf
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for elf
British Dictionary definitions for elf (1 of 2)
elf
/ (ɛlf) /
noun plural elves (ɛlvz)
(in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous
a mischievous or whimsical child
Derived Formselflike, adjective
Word Origin for elf
Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white
British Dictionary definitions for elf (2 of 2)
ELF
abbreviation for
extremely low frequency
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for elf
elf
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper