Dictionary

goblin

noun gob·lin \ˈgäb-lən\

in stories : an ugly and sometimes evil creature that likes to cause trouble

Full Definition of GOBLIN

: an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious

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Middle English gobelin, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gobelinus, ultimately from Greek kobalos rogue

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonyms: brownie, dwarf, elf, faerie (also faery), fay, gnome, fairy, gremlin, hobgoblin, kobold, leprechaun, pixie (also pixy), puck, sprite, troll

GOBLIN Defined for Kids

noun gob·lin \ˈgä-blən\

: an ugly and often evil imaginary creature

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