plural elves
ˈelvz 
1
: a small often mischievous fairy
2
: a small lively creature
also
: a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
elfishly
adverb
extremely low frequency
Synonyms
Examples of elf in a Sentence
Noun
elves are often portrayed as rather mischievous
Recent Examples on the Web
The Tennessean, 7 Feb. 2025
The film, directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum, follows Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised as an elf in Santa’s workshop who returns to New York City to meet his biological father, played by the late James Caan.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Add Mike Johnson dressed as a frolicking elf to any scenes featuring Christmas décor.
—Paul Rudnick, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Boy's Name Oliver Origin: Latin Meaning: Olive tree or elf army, according to Nameberry.com
Similar Names and Variations: Ollie, Olivier, Oliviero, and Olívio
Famous Namesakes: Some famous people with this name include filmmaker Oliver Stone, and actors Oliver Hudson and Oliver Platt.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for elf 
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Noun
There were scavenger hunts, tree decorating, dance classes, football clinics and, of course, pics with Santa and the elves.
—The Tennessean, 7 Feb. 2025
The film, directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum, follows Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised as an elf in Santa’s workshop who returns to New York City to meet his biological father, played by the late James Caan.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Add Mike Johnson dressed as a frolicking elf to any scenes featuring Christmas décor.
—Paul Rudnick, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
Boy's Name Oliver Origin: Latin Meaning: Olive tree or elf army, according to Nameberry.com
Similar Names and Variations: Ollie, Olivier, Oliviero, and Olívio
Famous Namesakes: Some famous people with this name include filmmaker Oliver Stone, and actors Oliver Hudson and Oliver Platt.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for elf
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Cite this Entry
“Elf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elf. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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