elf

¹

[elf]

noun

plural

elves 

1. (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.

2. a diminutive person, especially a child.

3. a mischievous person, especially a child.

ELF

²

Or elf

abbreviation

Radio.

1. extremely low frequency.

elf

¹

/ ɛlf /

noun

1. (in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous

2. a mischievous or whimsical child

ELF

²

abbreviation

1. extremely low frequency

Other Word Forms

• elflike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elf¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, from Old English ælf, elf, ylf, akin to Old High German alp “incubus” ( Middle High German alp , German Alp “nightmare”), Old Norse álfr, Danish alf “elf” ælfen; elfin

Word History and Origins

Origin of elf¹

Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white

Synonym Study

See fairy.

Example Sentences

She said she did not want to leave her job, but "had to make more money" and had worked in Tesco and as an elf at a Christmas event to supplement her pay from teaching.

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A family member sent me an image of a baby dressed in an elf outfit.

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Visitors won’t experience any flashing lights, dancing elves or blaring carols.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Elina, an elf working in Santa's post office, also worries about the future of Lapland's winters: "I'm wondering if heatwaves are now the new normal."

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When the topic turns to her bookshelf, Thurman admits she’s become a fan of stories of orcs and elves in love.

Read more on Salon

When To Use

Plural word for elf

The plural form of elf is elves, pronounced [ elvz ]. The plurals of some other singular words that end -f are also formed in this way, including leaf/leaves, wife/wives, and knife/knives. A similar change is made when pluralizing hoof as hooves.Irregular plurals that are formed like elves derive directly from their original pluralization in Old English.