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noun

leprechaun

LEHP-ruh-kawn

Leprechaun (noun) means a small, mischievous fairy from Irish folklore, usually pictured as an old man in green who guards a pot of gold. Example: “According to the legend, if you catch a leprechaun he must grant you three wishes.”

noun
1
A small, mischievous fairy from Irish folklore, usually pictured as an old man in green who guards a pot of gold.
"According to the legend, if you catch a leprechaun he must grant you three wishes."
"The children dressed up as leprechauns for the St Patrick's Day parade."

How to use leprechaun

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small trickster fairy from Irish folklore, associated with hidden treasure and shoe-making.

Common pairings
pot of gold a mischievous leprechaun

Word forms

leprechauns plural

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Fill the gap

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According to the legend, if you catch a _____ he must grant you three wishes.

Etymology

From Irish leipreachán, traced back through Old Irish luchorpán, possibly built from words meaning "small" and "body."

Origin: Old Irish

Rhymes for leprechaun

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Frequently asked questions

What does “leprechaun” mean?

The word “leprechaun” means a small, mischievous fairy from Irish folklore, usually pictured as an old man in green who guards a pot of gold. In plain terms, a small trickster fairy from Irish folklore, associated with hidden treasure and shoe-making.

How do you pronounce “leprechaun”?

“Leprechaun” is pronounced LEHP-ruh-kawn (/ˈlɛpɹəˌkɔn/ in IPA).

How do you use “leprechaun” in a sentence?

Here is “leprechaun” used in a sentence: “According to the legend, if you catch a leprechaun he must grant you three wishes.”

What part of speech is “leprechaun”?

“Leprechaun” is a noun.

Where does the word “leprechaun” come from?

The word “leprechaun” comes from Old Irish. From Irish leipreachán, traced back through Old Irish luchorpán, possibly built from words meaning "small" and "body.".

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