gnome
1 Americannoun
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(in folklore) one of a species of diminutive beings, usually described as shriveled little old men, that inhabit the interior of the earth and act as guardians of its treasures; troll.
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an expert in monetary or financial affairs; international banker or financier.
the gnomes of Zurich.
noun
noun
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one of a species of legendary creatures, usually resembling small misshapen old men, said to live in the depths of the earth and guard buried treasure
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the statue of a gnome, esp in a garden
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a very small or ugly person
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facetious an international banker or financier (esp in the phrase gnomes of Zürich )
noun
Synonym Usage
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of gnome1
1705–15; from French from New Latin gnomus, perhaps from Greek gnṓmē; see gnome 2
Origin of gnome2
First recorded in 1570–80, gnome is from the Greek word gnṓmē judgment, opinion, purpose
Explanation
Ever seen pictures in children’s books of wizened little trolls with red caps and wrinkled faces? Those are gnomes, imaginary characters popular in fairy tales and folklore. For some reason, they’ve lately become popular as garden statuary. The gnome, a dwarf-like inhabitant of the earth, has long captured the imagination of children and adults alike — witness the popularity of gnome statues in gardens. Appropriately, the word gnome is perhaps (just perhaps!) from gēnomos, an unrecorded Greek word for "earth-dweller." Credit for the word is given to 16th-century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus. The red-capped creatures entered German and Swiss folklore, and in the 19th century became part of children's literature, usually serving as the guardians of various treasures.
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.
Expect familiar Bluey games such as “Keepy Uppy,” as well as life-size renditions of the Gnome Village and Fairy Garden.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025
His long career also included providing the voice for Wise Old Elf and Mr Gnome for Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom, shown in the UK on Channel 5.
From BBC • Sep. 20, 2024
Glassworks Northwest Garden Gnome: Sweet glass garden gnomes, hand-fused in Bellingham by artist Kristi Thorndike-Kent, watch over the garden and come in many delightful colors and hat designs.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2021
Two other freeze-dried meal companies, Sasquatch Fuel and Gastro Gnome, popped up in Bozeman recently.
From Washington Times • Dec. 13, 2020
Grover translated: “Aunty Em’s Garden Gnome Emporium” Flanking the entrance, as advertised, were two cement garden gnomes, ugly bearded little runts, smiling and waving, as if they were about to get their picture taken.
From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan
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.
