How to Pronounce Elf

To pronounce "elf", say ELF — one syllable, IPA /ɛlf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

elf

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ɛlf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “elf”

"elf" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with self and shelf, if that helps it stick.

What does elf mean?

noun

  1. A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.
  2. Any from a race of mythical, supernatural beings resembling but seen as distinct from human beings. They are usually delicate-featured and skilled in magic or spellcrafting; sometimes depicted as clashing with dwarves, especially in modern fantasy literature.

verb

  1. To twist into elflocks (of hair); to mat.

Synonyms

fairygoblin

Hear “elf” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with elf

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

selfshelfmyselfitselfdelphthemselfherselfhimselfbookshelfyourself

Related words

pixiepixygremlinhobimpbrownieleprechaungoblin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "elf"?▾

"Elf" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "elf"?▾

The IPA transcription of "elf" is /ɛlf/.

What does "elf" mean?▾

Elf: A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.

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