Dictionary.com

gnome

1
[ nohm ]
/ noʊm /
See synonyms for gnome on Thesaurus.com

noun

(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.
an expert in monetary or financial affairs; international banker or financier: the gnomes of Zurich.

QUIZZES

LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!

Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
gato/gata
cato/cata
gatto/gatta
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of gnome

1
1705–15; from French from New Latin gnomus, perhaps from Greek gnṓmē; see gnome2

synonym study for gnome

1. See goblin, sylph.

OTHER WORDS FROM gnome

gnomish, adjective

Definition for gnome (2 of 2)

gnome2
[ nohm, noh-mee ]
/ noʊm, ˈnoʊ mi /

noun

a short, pithy expression of a general truth; aphorism.

Origin of gnome

2
First recorded in 1570–80, gnome is from the Greek word gnṓmē judgment, opinion, purpose
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to gnome

fairy, elf

Example sentences from the Web for gnome

  • All his brave resolutions seemed to drain away before their old, gnomish faces.

    The Colors of Space|Marion Zimmer Bradley

  • Presently his face, preternaturally solemn and gnomish behind the goggles, protruded over the rim.

    The Unspeakable Perk|Samuel Hopkins Adams

  • A quick visualization of that gnomish, froggish face was enough to dispel the suspicion.

    The Unspeakable Perk|Samuel Hopkins Adams

  • Out from the yellow heart of the pansy-blackness her small, grave, gnomish face peered after him with pristine frankness.

    Little Eve Edgarton|Eleanor Hallowell Abbott

British Dictionary definitions for gnome (1 of 2)

gnome1
/ (nəʊm) /

noun

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
the statue of a gnome, esp in a garden
a very small or ugly person
facetious, or derogatory an international banker or financier (esp in the phrase gnomes of Zürich)

Derived forms of gnome

gnomish, adjective

Word Origin for gnome

C18: from French, from New Latin gnomus, coined by Paracelsus, of obscure origin

British Dictionary definitions for gnome (2 of 2)

gnome2
/ (nəʊm) /

noun

a short pithy saying or maxim expressing a general truth or principle

Word Origin for gnome

C16: from Greek gnōmē, from gignōskein to know
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