elf

¹ American  

[elf] / ɛlf /

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.

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ELF ² American  

Or elf

abbreviation

Radio.

1. extremely low frequency.

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elf ¹ British  

/ 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

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ELF ² British  

abbreviation

1. extremely low frequency

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Usage

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.

Related Words

See fairy.

Other Word Forms

• elflike adjective

Etymology

Origin of elf

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; see elfin

Explanation

An elf is a mythological creature that's said to be tiny, magical, and a little mischievous. Elves are not just known for giving Santa a hand. In fact, ancient Anglo-Saxon medical books ascribed some illnesses to elves. Old English texts often blamed elves for sharp pains and mental disturbances — they were said to cause illness with sharp weapons, such as arrows. The folklore and myths of Scotland, Iceland, and Germany are particularly famous for the inclusion of elves. An elf's tiny size has also led to the use of elfin or elf-like to describe a small person's features: "His little elfin nose was so cute."

Example Sentences

It’s shifted over the years — there were stilt walkers for a bit, and Sawdust’s historical site notes there was once a mascot in “Jelf,” part jester, part elf.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

“We’re in an elf rally, but we’re on our way to a Santa Claus rally,” said Chris Hyzy of Bank of America Private Bank during an interview Wednesday with CNBC.

From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

Vitale’s elaborate Santa costume, including his 130-year-old strand of brass sleigh bells and hand-carved belt, were all destroyed in the fire, along with LaCasella’s handmade green-and-red felt elf shoes and vest.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

In the center of everything, there’s a really big photo with Quinton and Maria crouching down beside a short elf with a head full of dark leaves and skin like mottled tree bark.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston