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Synonyms

elfish

American  
[el-fish] / ˈɛl fɪʃ /

adjective

  1. elflike; elfin; small and mischievous.

    Synonyms:
    impish, prankish

elfish British  
/ ˈɛlfɪʃ /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or like an elf or elves; charmingly mischievous or sprightly; impish

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. the supposed language of elves

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of elfish

First recorded in 1535–45; alteration of elvish

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.

See Examples For:

He appears elfish and shy as he approaches his instrument.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 29, 2025

The plate of elfish cream puffs was in disarray when the judges came to taste them, but Lynch explained that there had been a fight between North Pole and South Pole elves.

From Seattle Times Dec. 7, 2022

For example, he deleted descriptions of him as “an elfish boy” who speaks “defiantly” to Wendy and tries to be “more contemptuous than ever”.

From The Guardian Dec. 15, 2019

He was only a couple years younger than me, but his round face, milky skin, and elfish features made him look like a teenager.

From Salon Mar. 8, 2019

“But I do,” said a defiant voice with an elfish accent.

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

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