elfin

American  

[el-fin] / ˈɛl fɪn /

adjective

1. of or like an elf.

2. small and charmingly spritely, merry, or mischievous.

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noun

1. an elf.

elfin British  

/ ˈɛlfɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like an elf or elves

2. small, delicate, and charming

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Etymology

Origin of elfin

1560–70; alteration of Middle English elven elf, Old English elfen, ælfen nymph, equivalent to ælf elf + -en feminine suffix (cognate with German -in ); ælf cognate with German Alp nightmare, puck, Old Norse alfr elf

Explanation

Someone who's tiny and a bit fragile can be described as elfin. Your grandmother might be especially proud of her little elfin feet. Small people and children are often described as having elfin faces, particularly if there's a mischievous spark in their eyes. If your friend's ears are unusually petite — and rather adorable — you can describe them as elfin. The word clearly comes from elf, and it's sometimes used to mean "relating to elves," though it more commonly means "tiny like an elf." Edmund Spenser first used the word elfin in his 1590 epic poem, "The Faerie Queene."

Example Sentences

With her bleach-blond punk haircut, puckish grin and bright elfin eyes, she could have come to the company’s heavily guarded San Francisco headquarters straight from a Berlin rave, via an old forest road in Middle-earth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

With her elfin features and skinhead look she was one of pop music's most recognisable figures.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2023

And in the “Five Pieces” section, Ashley Hod, eerie and elfin, and Gilbert Bolden III gave angular depth to the acrobatic partnering.

From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2023

Short, by contrast, is an extrovert, elfin and impish.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2022

Blinking away tears, Flora Baumbach returned to her seat, the elfin smile still painted on her pained face.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin