noun
elf
ehlf
noun
1
A small, magical humanlike creature from folklore, often mischievous; in modern fantasy, a tall, graceful, immortal being.
"In the old stories, an elf might swap a human baby for one of its own."
"The elves in the novel are skilled archers who live for centuries."
How to Use Elf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA magical creature from folklore and fantasy stories — traditionally small and mischievous, but often tall and elegant in modern fantasy.
Common pairings
Christmas elf
wood elf
elf ears
Word Forms
elfed past tense, elfs singular
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In the old stories, an _____ might swap a human baby for one of its own.
Etymology
From Old English ælf, from a Proto-Germanic root probably meaning "white" or "shining." The tall, noble elf of modern fantasy owes much to J.R.R. Tolkien's writing.