Search Dictionary
Definition of hobgoblin

hobgoblin

/ˈhɑːbˌɡɑːb.lɪn/
hob · gob · lin
Plural:hobgoblins
JUMP TO:

hobgoblin Lexical Profile

hobgoblin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In British folklore and fantasy literature, a mischievous, ugly, or troublesome imp, sprite, or goblin.

Example

"According to old village tales, a mischievous hobgoblin would sneak into the kitchen at night to sour the milk."

2

Something that arouses unfounded fear, dread, or persistent worry; a bugbear or bogeyman.

Example

"Ralph Waldo Emerson famously wrote that a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hobgoblin

• Nearby Words

hobby
hobbyhorse
hobbyist
hobgoblin
hobnob
hobo
hock

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 16th century by combining 'Hob' (a rustic nickname for Robert or Robin, as in Robin Goodfellow) with 'goblin', from Old French gobelin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hobgoblin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hobgoblin
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.