elf
1 Americannoun
plural
elves-
(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.
abbreviation
noun
-
(in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous
-
a mischievous or whimsical child
abbreviation
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
A few days ago, my friend Tony reported that his daughters awoke to find their elf had turned on the mini Christmas lights and switched hats with a snowman ornament.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2024
He led Spurge off by the elbow before the elf could protest.
From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
