leprechaun

noun

lep·​re·​chaun ˈle-prə-ˌkän How to pronounce leprechaun (audio)
-ˌkȯn
Synonyms of leprechaunnext
: a mischievous elf (see elf sense 1) of Irish folklore usually believed to reveal the hiding place of treasure if caught
leprechaunish
ˈle-prə-ˌkä-nish How to pronounce leprechaun (audio)
-ˌkȯ-
adjective

Synonyms of leprechaun

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Examples of leprechaun in a Sentence

the story that if you follow a rainbow to its end, you'll find a leprechaun's pot of gold
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.
Why do leprechauns hate amusement parks? — Nicole Harris, Parents, 16 Mar. 2026 On Saint Patrick’s Day, luck gets reduced to four-leaf clovers and leprechaun gold. — Juliette Han, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Beyond its religious roots, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, marked by everything from shamrocks and leprechauns to corned beef and a spirited round (or two) of green beer. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026 According to the History Channel, one legend claims wearing green makes a person invisible to leprechauns — red-bearded fairies that would pinch people who weren’t wearing the color. — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leprechaun

Word History

Etymology

Irish leipreachán

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leprechaun was in 1604

Rhymes for leprechaun

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Browse Nearby Words

leppy
leprechaun
leproid
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Cite this Entry

“Leprechaun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leprechaun. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leprechaun

noun
lep·​re·​chaun ˈlep-rə-ˌkän How to pronounce leprechaun (audio)
-ˌkȯn
: a mischievous elf of Irish folklore that some believe will reveal where treasure is hidden if caught

More from Merriam-Webster on leprechaun

Nglish: Translation of leprechaun for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leprechaun

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