elfin

[el-fin]

adjective

1. of or like an elf.

2. small and charmingly spritely, merry, or mischievous.

noun

1. an elf.

elfin

/ ˈɛlfɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like an elf or elves

2. small, delicate, and charming

Word History and Origins

Origin of elfin¹

1560–70; alteration of Middle English elven elf, Old English elfen, ælfen nymph, equivalent to ælf elf + -en feminine suffix (cognate with German -in ); ælf cognate with German Alp nightmare, puck, Old Norse alfr elf

Example Sentences

It actually took a few years for the elfin monsters to break into the mainstream.

From BBC

Soon I was navigating the reading nooks and chef’s kitchens of an elfin cottage, a gothic coastal A-frame, a cozy “loch house” in the Scottish Highlands.

From New York Times

Smiling his little elfin smile, he sometimes looks no older than that 11-year-old boy who had the world taken from him.

From Los Angeles Times

"Chalamet is elfin and puckish, unworldly and possessed of a Paddingtonian innocence and charm - and a nice singing voice - without being insufferable," he wrote.

From BBC

With her elfin features and skinhead look she was one of pop music's most recognisable figures.

From BBC