noun
Uncommon
goblin
Goblin (noun) means In traditional folklore, a small, ugly magical creature that lives in dark places and is usually unkind or troublesome, similar to an evil elf or demon.
noun
1
In traditional folklore, a small, ugly magical creature that lives in dark places and is usually unkind or troublesome, similar to an evil elf or demon.
2
In modern fantasy stories, a strong, aggressive and very ugly human-like creature, often grouped with orcs and trolls.
"The goblin shifted the two younger ones closer to him. It looked like he was hiding behind them, using them as a shield. The goblin looked pure evil. His eyes were brown."
— Thom L. Nichols, War: Return of the Elves (2010)
"I shall send another entourage of goblins back here to Desput with the goblins’ new ally the Pixy! These creatures deserve the same respect as any other goblin."
— D. S. Macleod, The Middle Times: Rise of the Goblin King (2010)
3
Short for goblin shark.
"Goblins are mainly found (when they are found at all) in deep waters."
— Mary L. Peachin, Underwater Encounters: What You Should Know about Sharks (2014)
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Etymology
Came into English via Middle English gobelyn, from Old Northern French gobelin (compare Norman goubelin, Walloon gobelin), possibly a blend of Old Dutch *kobeholdo ("goblin") (compare Dutch kabouter, German Kobold) and Late Latin cobalus ("mountain sprite"), from Ancient Greek κόβαλος (kóbalos, "rogue, knave; goblin"). It displaced the native Old English pūca, from Proto-Germanic *pūkô ("a goblin, spook"), which also gave English puck.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of goblin?
"goblin" (noun) means in traditional folklore, a small, ugly magical creature that lives in dark places and is usually unkind or troublesome, similar to an evil elf or demon.
What is another word for goblin?
Other words for "goblin" include hobgoblin, hob.
What are the different meanings of goblin?
"goblin" has 3 main meanings: 1. In traditional folklore, a small, ugly magical creature that lives in dark places and is usually unkind or troublesome, similar to an evil elf or demon; 2. In modern fantasy stories, a strong, aggressive and very ugly human-like creature, often grouped with orcs and trolls; 3. Short for goblin shark.
