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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 notes

In plain EnglishEither a folklore elf-creature, Australian slang for a rough or unrefined bloke, or a nickname for Alfred/Alfonso.

Easily confused with

Word Forms

alfs plural, alfar plural, Alfs plural

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Test yourself on “alf” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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".

Origin: Old Norse

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial