1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by an elf
b
: resembling an elf especially in its tiny size
elfin portions
2
: having an otherworldly or magical quality or charm
Synonyms
Examples of elfin in a Sentence
They were delighted with the child's elfin charm.
the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible
Recent Examples on the Web
Precisely the sorts of things that a federal coronavirus task force and its elfin leader should be focused on, in other words.
—
Libby Watson, The New Republic, 15 May 2020
Before leading me on a tour of the outdoor sets and soundstages, Logan, an elfin presence with a demeanor that splits the difference between fanatical and very nice, greeted me at his office in a repurposed hacienda.
—Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
See all Example Sentences for elfin 
Libby Watson, The New Republic, 15 May 2020
Before leading me on a tour of the outdoor sets and soundstages, Logan, an elfin presence with a demeanor that splits the difference between fanatical and very nice, greeted me at his office in a repurposed hacienda.
—Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
See all Example Sentences for elfin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elfin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elfin
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elfin. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elfin
adjective
elf·in
ˈel-fən 
1
: of or relating to elves
2
: resembling an elf
especially
: having a strange beauty or charm
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