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Definition of elfish
elfish
/ˈɛl.fɪʃ/
el · fish
Adverb:elfishly
elfish Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
Syllables
2
elfish Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Relating to, resembling, or characteristic of an elf, especially in having a small, delicate stature or pointed features.
Example
"The young actor had an elfish face with sharp cheekbones and bright, expressive eyes."
2
Playfully mischievous, Puckish, or slyly teasing in manner.
Example
"She gave an elfish grin before hiding the last piece of chocolate behind her back."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for elfish Antonyms
View all antonyms for elfishWord Nuance & Usage
While "elfish" and "elvish" are interchangeable in general contexts, "elvish" is strongly preferred in modern fantasy literature following J.R.R. Tolkien's preference for the voiced consonant.
• Rhymes for elfish
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from Old English "ælf" (elf) and the suffix "-isc" (-ish), originally referring to supernatural beings of Germanic folklore.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Elfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/elfish