leprechaun

[lep-ruh-kawn, -kon]

noun

Irish Folklore.

1. a dwarf or sprite.

2. a conventionalized literary representation of this figure as a little old man who will reveal the location of a hidden crock of gold to anyone who catches him.

leprechaun

/ ˈlɛprəˌkɔːn /

noun

1. (in Irish folklore) a mischievous elf, often believed to have a treasure hoard

Word History and Origins

Origin of leprechaun¹

1595–1605; < Irish leipreachán, lucharachán, MIr luchrapán, lupra ( c ) cán, metathesized forms of Old Irish lúchorp ( án ), equivalent to lú- small + corp body (< Latin corpus ) + -án diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of leprechaun¹

C17: from Irish Gaelic leipreachān, from Middle Irish lūchorpān, from lū small + corp body, from Latin corpus body

Example Sentences

He memorably dressed up as a leprechaun, another time as an FBI agent.

From Los Angeles Times

He did not demand that Martin dance the Lucky Charms leprechaun jig, and did not indulge in blatantly offensive stereotypes about Ireland or Irish people in expressing his affection.

From Salon

As Fintan O'Toole quipped recently in the Irish Times, his country "found the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow without even trying to catch the leprechaun."

From Salon

The possibility that such a thing still exists in our divided country seems as improbable as leprechauns, mermaids or gas under $3 a gallon.

From Los Angeles Times

Most Americans are familiar with the Snap, Crackle and Pop kids, Tony the Tiger, the Lucky Charms leprechaun, the Trix rabbit, Toucan Sam from Froot Loops and dozens more.

From Salon

Related Words

• fairy 
• gnome 
• pixie