elf

UK: /ˈɛlf/ US: /ɛlf/ ,(elf )

Inflections of 'elf' (n): npl: elves

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

elf /ɛlf/   n., pl. elves /ɛlvz/.  

1. Mythology [countable] a small imaginary being who enjoys interfering in human affairs.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

elf  (elf ), n., pl. elves (elvz). 

1. Mythology (in folklore) one of a class of preternatural beings, esp. from mountainous regions, with magical powers, given to capricious and often mischievous interference in human affairs, and usually imagined to be a diminutive being in human form;
   sprite;
   fairy.
2. a diminutive person, esp. a child.
3. a mischievous person, esp. a child.

• bef. 1000; Middle English, back formation from elven, Old English elfen nymph (i.e., female elf ), variant of ælfen; see elfin

elf′like′, adj. 
Synonyms

• 1. See fairy. 

ELF, 

1. Electronics, Radio and Television See extremely low frequency. 

Also, elf 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

elf / ɛlf/ noun ( elves / ɛlvz/)

1. (in folklore) one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous
2. a mischievous or whimsical child

Etymology: Old English ælf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white