elf

Q: What is the plural of 'elf'?

Although elfs may occasionally be found in print the accepted modern plural form of elf is elves . This follows the common method of pluralizing nouns in English ending in an –f ( shelf/shelves , calf/calves ). There are, it should be noted, numerous exceptions to this, such as roof/roofs , and serf/serfs .

Q: What is the origin of the word 'elf'?

Elf is a very old word, and has been with us not only in modern English, but in Middle and Old English as well (in Old English it was ælf ). Dating in use from before the 12th century, elf has similarities to a number of related words in other languages, such as the Middle Low German alf ("incubus") and the Old Norse alfr ("elf").

1 of 2

noun

ˈelf

plural elves ˈelvz

Synonyms of elf

: a small often mischievous fairy

: a small lively creature

also : a usually lively mischievous or malicious person

elfish

ˈel-fish

adjective

elfishly adverb

ELF

2 of 2

abbreviation

extremely low frequency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plural of elf?

Although elfs may occasionally be found in print the accepted modern plural form of elf is elves. This follows the common method of pluralizing nouns in English ending in an –f (shelf/shelves, calf/calves). There are, it should be noted, numerous exceptions to this, such as roof/roofs, and serf/serfs.

Why are elves associated with Christmas?

Elves began to be associated with Christmas in the United State in the 19th century, following the publication of such works as Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," which described the titular figure as "a right jolly old elf."

What is the origin of the word elf?

Elf is a very old word, and has been with us not only in modern English, but in Middle and Old English as well (in Old English it was ælf). Dating in use from before the 12th century, elf has similarities to a number of related words in other languages, such as the Middle Low German alf ("incubus") and the Old Norse alfr ("elf").

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Noun elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Noun

At the end of 2005-2006, a whole host of elves got arrested and were sent to prison. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 Not as great of a kids’ parade as the one at Christmas with elves and Santa Claus and toys and snowmen. — David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 The actress will play an elf named Seren, who is a brand new character for the Lord of the Rings franchise. — Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 The puckish figure draws heavily on Nordic fairy tales, including stories of elves. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elf

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English ælf; akin to Old Norse alfr elf & perhaps to Latin albus white — more at alb

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of elf was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

elevon

elf

ELF

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Elf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elf. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

elf

noun

ˈelf

plural elves ˈelvz

: a small and often mischievous fairy

elfish

ˈel-fish

adjective

elfishly adverb

elf

noun

abbreviation

Frequently Asked Questions

Synonyms of elf

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Should we say ‘elfs’ or ‘elves'?

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on elf

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes

elf

noun

abbreviation

Frequently Asked Questions

Synonyms of elf

Examples of elf in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing elf

Rhymes for elf

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to elf

Should we say ‘elfs’ or ‘elves'?

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on elf

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes