elf

¹

[ elf ]

noun

, plural elves [elvz].

1. (in folklore) one of a class of preternatural beings, especially from mountainous regions, with magical powers, given to capricious and often mischievous interference in human affairs, and usually imagined to be a diminutive being in human form; sprite; fairy.
2. a diminutive person, especially a child.
3. a mischievous person, especially a child.

ELF

²

or elf

abbreviation for

, Radio.

1. extremely low frequency.

ELF

¹

abbreviation for

1. extremely low frequency

elf

²

/ ɛlf /

noun

1. (in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous
2. a mischievous or whimsical child

Derived Forms

• ˈelfˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• elflike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elf¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, from Old English ælf, elf, ylf, akin to Old High German alp “incubus” ( Middle High German alp , German Alp “nightmare”), Old Norse álfr, Danish alf “elf” ælfen; elfin

Word History and Origins

Origin of elf¹

Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white

Synonym Study

See fairy.

Example Sentences

"I didn't even feel it. He's angry. He's an angry little elf," Paul said of the slap.

From BBC

The parade winds up with an appearance by the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, and his reindeer.

From Los Angeles Times

Every other element of Christmas is also jacked: the snowmen, the polar bears and even the elves or, rather, the E.L.F.

From Los Angeles Times

She belongs to a Nordic tribe of elves known as the Monsters.

From Los Angeles Times

Blanchett — who played Galadriel, a Middle Earth royal elf with magical powers — also reprised her role in the “Hobbit” prequel series.

From Los Angeles Times

What Is The Plural Of Elf?

Plural word for elf

The plural form of elf is elves, pronounced [ elvz ]. The plurals of some other singular words that end -f are also formed in this way, including leaf/leaves, wife/wives, and knife/knives. A similar change is made when pluralizing hoof as hooves.

Irregular plurals that are formed like elves derive directly from their original pluralization in Old English.