elf

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a supernatural being from Germanic folklore, later often imagined as graceful, magical, and humanlike

   The legend tells of an elf who guards the forest spring.

2. 2
   noun

   a small, playful magical creature, often represented as mischievous or as a helper

   Each child in the play wore the pointed cap of an elf.

3. 3
   noun

   literary: a small, lively, or mischievous person

   Her uncle affectionately called the energetic child an elf.

From Middle English elf, from Old English aelf or ielf, continuing a common Germanic name for a supernatural being. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it has often been associated with an Indo-European word for 'white.' Folklore, Christmas tradition, and modern fantasy developed different images of the elf.

Topics