noun

elves

ELVZ

Elves (noun) means Small magical beings of folklore, often depicted as mischievous, long-lived and possessing supernatural powers. Example: “In the old stories, elves led travellers off the path and into the woods.”

noun

Small magical beings of folklore, often depicted as mischievous, long-lived and possessing supernatural powers.

"In the old stories, elves led travellers off the path and into the woods."

"The house elves in the book do all the cooking unseen."

The small helpers said to make toys in Santa Claus's workshop at the North Pole.

"The children left a note for Santa's elves along with the mince pies."

In fantasy fiction, a tall, graceful, long-lived humanoid race, typically skilled in archery and magic.

"The elves of the northern forest had held the pass for a thousand years."

How to use elves

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishElves are the magical little people of fairy tales — and the ones who make toys for Santa.

When to use it

Neutral. Elf as a verb is not standard, but elf yourself and elf on the shelf are fixed modern expressions.

Memory tip

The plural is elves, not elfs — like leaf/leaves and wolf/wolves. The adjective is elvish or elven.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

elfs dwarves gnomes fairies

Common pairings

Santa's elves house elves woodland elves elves and dwarves

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In the old stories, _____ led travellers off the path and into the woods.

Etymology

Plural of elf, from Old English ælf, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse álfr.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

View more →

fairies sprites pixies imps fae

Related words

elf fae Faye

Rhymes for elves

ourselves themselves

See all rhymes for elves →

Frequently asked questions

Is the plural of elf elves or elfs?

Elves. English changes a final f to v before adding -es in a small group of old words: elf/elves, wolf/wolves, loaf/loaves. Elfs is only ever seen as a mistake or in a deliberately playful spelling.

What is the difference between elves and fairies?

In older folklore the terms overlap heavily and were often used for the same beings. Modern fantasy has separated them: elves are usually human-sized, dignified and long-lived, while fairies are small, winged and flighty.

Is it elvish or elven?

Both are used. Elvish is the older adjective and is also the usual name for the languages in Tolkien's work. Elven has become the more common adjective in modern fantasy and games, as in elven bow or elven armour.

What is the meaning of elves?

"elves" (noun) means small magical beings of folklore, often depicted as mischievous, long-lived and possessing supernatural powers.

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