elf
elf Lexical Profile
elf Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A supernatural creature of folklore and fantasy, traditionally depicted as a diminutive, mischievous spirit with pointed ears and magical powers, or in modern high fantasy as a tall, immortal, and noble humanoid being.
"In the ancient folktale, a mischievous elf hid the cobbler's tools every night until a bowl of cream was left by the hearth."
A small, lively, or mischievous person, especially a young child.
"The energetic little elf darted around the living room, hiding behind the curtains and giggling."
Word Nuance & Usage
The traditional plural is "elves," though the regularized form "elfs" was historically used by J.R.R. Tolkien before he popularized "elves" and "elven" in high fantasy.
• Rhymes for elf
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'ælf' (plural 'ylfe'), derived from Proto-Germanic '*albiz', which originally meant 'white' or 'shining' and referred to luminous supernatural spirits.