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Elfin definition

ĕlfĭn
Small and sprightly or mischievous.
adjective
2
0
An elf.
noun
1
0
Of or like an elf; tiny, delicate, etc.
adjective
1
1
Having a magical quality or charm; fairylike.

Moved across the dimly lit stage with elfin grace.

adjective
0
0
Relating to or suggestive of an elf.
adjective
0
0
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Made, done, or produced by an elf.
adjective
0
0
An elf; an inhabitant of fairy-land.
noun
0
0
A little urchin or child.
noun
0
0
Relating to or resembling an elf, especially in its tiny size or features.
adjective
0
0

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
elfin
Plural:
elfins

Origin of elfin

  • Probably from Middle English elvene pl. of elve elf from Old English -elfen (as in wuduelfen dryad) albho- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle English elven, from Old English elfen, ælfen (“nymph, spirit, fairy”), diminutive of elf, ælf (“elf”), equivalent to elf +‎ -en. Cognate with Middle High German elbinne (“a fairy, nymph”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Partly from attributive use of Etymology 1, but reanalysed by Spenser as if equivalent to elf +‎ -en.

    From Wiktionary

Elfin Sentence Examples

  • Martha, although half her age, was taller by two inches than the elfin Franny.

  • Her pink hair was up in a bun that revealed the delicate cut of her elfin features.

  • Traci was stunning, from her supermodel body to her delicate, elfin features.

  • In 1920 he issued a new volume of poems, The Elfin Artist.

  • Iceland, meanwhile, temporarily abandons its maritime pretensions and instead dedicates itself to producing highly-talented elfin chanteuse Bjork.

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Also Mentioned In

Words near elfin in the Dictionary