First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
elf
noun \ˈelf\
: a small creature in stories usually with pointed ears and magical powers
plural elves \ˈelvz\
Full Definition of ELF
1
: a small often mischievous fairy
2
: a small lively creature; also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
— elf·ish \ˈel-fish\ adjective
— elf·ish·ly adverb
See elf defined for English-language learners
See elf defined for kids
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Origin of ELF
Middle English, from Old English ælf; akin to Old Norse alfr elf & perhaps to Latin albus white — more at alb
Related to ELF
ELF
abbreviation
Definition of ELF
extremely low frequency
ELF Defined for Kids
elf
noun \ˈelf\
plural elves \ˈelvz\
Definition of ELF for Kids
: an often mischievous fairy
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