goblin

noun

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

Synonyms of goblin

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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.
From glittering ghosts, ghastly goblins and wicked witches to wily warlocks, fashion can inspire any Halloween transformation. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026 Many would rather experience nightstalkers, goblins and witches that can't escape the theater or TV screen, or zombies and werewolves that won't lunge off the pages of a book. — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026 The magical ring that helped Bilbo escape the goblins had become an instrument of addiction and mass political control. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Two years ago, the Man City phenom appeared in a 90-second spot for the game that saw him get recruited to storm a castle teeming with goblins, dragons and impish skeletons. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026 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

Rhymes for goblin

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Browse Nearby Words

goblet cell
goblin
go blind
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Cite this Entry

“Goblin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goblin. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about goblin

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