noun
Uncommon
alf
alf
Alf (noun) means an elf-like supernatural creature in Norse folklore. Example: “The old stories describe an alf living beneath the roots of the great tree.”
noun
1
An elf-like supernatural creature in Norse folklore.
"The old stories describe an alf living beneath the roots of the great tree."
2
(informal, Australian) A crude or uncultured man.
"He acted like a real alf at the wedding, shouting over the speeches."
name
1
A short form of the male names Alfred or Alfonso.
"Everyone at the pub just calls him Alf."
How to use alf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a folklore elf-creature, Australian slang for a rough or unrefined bloke, or a nickname for Alfred/Alfonso.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like alf.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- alfs, alfar
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old stories describe an _____ living beneath the roots of the great tree.
Etymology
From Old Norse alfr, the same root that gives English "elf" and "oaf".
Rhymes for alf
See all rhymes for alf →Frequently asked questions
What does “alf” mean?
The word “alf” means an elf-like supernatural creature in Norse folklore. In plain terms, either a folklore elf-creature, Australian slang for a rough or unrefined bloke, or a nickname for Alfred/Alfonso.
How do you pronounce “alf”?
“Alf” is pronounced alf (/ælf/ in IPA).
How do you use “alf” in a sentence?
Here is “alf” used in a sentence: “The old stories describe an alf living beneath the roots of the great tree.”
What part of speech is “alf”?
Depending on how it is used, “alf” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “alf” come from?
The word “alf” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse alfr, the same root that gives English "elf" and "oaf".
Is “alf” a common word?
“Alf” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “alf” have?
“Alf” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an elf-like supernatural creature in Norse folklore.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include alf:
