elf Meaning & Definition
What Does Elf Mean?
Elf is used as a noun meaning A supernatural being or spirit associated with illness, mischief, and harmful or dangerous magical influence; in later Norse sources, sometimes divided into benevolent light elves (inhabiting Álfheimr) and malevolent dark elves. It can also mean A small, magical creature similar to a fairy, often mischievous, playful, or occasionally helpful. As a verb, it means To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.
Elf: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɛlf// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | pixie, hob and gremlin |
| Plural | elves |
| Verb forms | elfs, elfing, elfed |
Elf Definition (Noun)
- A supernatural being or spirit associated with illness, mischief, and harmful or dangerous magical influence; in later Norse sources, sometimes divided into benevolent light elves (inhabiting Álfheimr) and malevolent dark elves.
- A small, magical creature similar to a fairy, often mischievous, playful, or occasionally helpful.
- A member of a race of tall, slender, graceful beings with pointed ears, typically immortal or very long-lived and possessing wisdom and magical abilities.
- Ellipsis of Christmas elf.
- A very diminutive person; a dwarf.
- Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).
Elf as a Verb
- To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.
Noun
- Any small box truck or delivery truck, regardless of the actual brand.
Noun
- A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.
- Any from a race of mythical, supernatural beings resembling but seen as distinct from human beings. They are usually delicate-featured and skilled in magic or spellcrafting; sometimes depicted as clashing with dwarves, especially in modern fantasy literature.
- Any of the magical, typically forest-guarding races bearing some similarities to the Norse álfar (through Tolkien's Eldar).
- The bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).
Synonyms of Elf
Elf synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Elf
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Elf in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
elf (plural elves or (now nonstandard) elfs)
elf (third-person singular simple present elfs, present participle elfing, simple past and past participle elfed)
elf (plural elfs)
Words That Rhyme With Elf
Origin of Elf
Origin 1: From Middle English elf, from Old English ielf, ælf, from Proto-West Germanic *albi, from Proto-Germanic *albiz. Ultimately probably derived from Proto-Indo-European *h₂elbʰós (“white”). Doublet of alf, awf, and oaf. The modern fantasy literature sense was popularised by the works of J. R. R. Tolkien.
Origin 2: Genericized trademark, from the Isuzu Elf family of trucks.
How Do You Say Elf?
The standard pronunciation of elf is //ɛlf//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Elf
Is elf a noun or a verb?
Elf is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for elf?
Close synonyms of elf are pixie, hob and gremlin. See the full list of elf synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of elf?
The plural of elf is elves.
What is the past tense of elf?
The past tense of elf is elfed. The present participle is elfing.