goblin

noun

gob·​lin ˈgä-blən How to pronounce goblin (audio)
: an ugly or grotesque sprite that is usually mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious

Examples of goblin in a Sentence

dressed up the toddlers like goblins for Halloween
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, Bolg is the name of a goblin prince from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025 Brown and Kountz play Luna and Marvin, a couple who moves to Evergreen Lane with a passion for goblins and ghouls that inspires the whole neighborhood to go all in. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025 Stripped first of his access to the goblin court, and now of his ability to speak with the dead, Celehar nonetheless still has commitments to the living. Natalie Zutter january 2, Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2025 Lisa’s Joker is part motivational speaker, part chaos goblin. Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for goblin

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gobelin, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gobelinus, ultimately from Greek kobalos rogue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goblin was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goblin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goblin. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

goblin

noun
gob·​lin ˈgäb-lən How to pronounce goblin (audio)
: an ugly, evil, or mischievous elf

More from Merriam-Webster on goblin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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