gnome
Gnome (noun) means a small, legendary earth-dwelling being, often shown as an old bearded man, said to guard underground treasure or mines. Example: “In the story, a gnome guarded the entrance to the underground cavern.”
How to use gnome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mythical little bearded earth-creature, or the garden ornament shaped like one.
Word forms
GNOME'ed past tense, gnomes plural, gnomae plural, gnomai plural, gnomes plural, GNOME's singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the story, a _____ guarded the entrance to the underground cavern.
Etymology
From French gnome, coined in New Latin by the Renaissance physician Paracelsus as another word for a pygmy-like earth spirit.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gnome
See all rhymes for gnome →Frequently asked questions
What does “gnome” mean?
The word “gnome” means a small, legendary earth-dwelling being, often shown as an old bearded man, said to guard underground treasure or mines. In plain terms, a mythical little bearded earth-creature, or the garden ornament shaped like one.
How do you pronounce “gnome”?
“Gnome” is pronounced NOHM (/ˈnoʊ̯m/ in IPA).
How do you use “gnome” in a sentence?
Here is “gnome” used in a sentence: “In the story, a gnome guarded the entrance to the underground cavern.”
What part of speech is “gnome”?
“Gnome” is a noun.
Where does the word “gnome” come from?
The word “gnome” comes from New Latin. From French gnome, coined in New Latin by the Renaissance physician Paracelsus as another word for a pygmy-like earth spirit.
Is “gnome” a common word?
“Gnome” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gnome” have?
“Gnome” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, legendary earth-dwelling being, often shown as an old bearded man, said to guard underground treasure or mines.