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; elfin

Example Sentences

As the sun went down and a phone notification warned of more rain, the women, donning elf aprons and Santa hats, scrambled to move the boxes under cover.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 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

That would be an elf to take off the shelf every single day.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2024

Whenever the plants threw the dancers up into the air or kissed a woman with sloppy affection, the elf flinched as though her head were being bitten off.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin