goblin

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A small, ugly, magical creature in stories that enjoys causing trouble and playing tricks on people.

   Grammar: Countable: one goblin, two goblins. Use 'a goblin' for one and 'goblins' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • a goblin
   • the goblins
   • goblins in (a story)

   The children's book is full of friendly goblins who live under the bridge.

   In the game, you have to fight a goblin to get the treasure.

   She dressed as a goblin for Halloween, with a green face and pointy ears.

2. 2nouncountablehumorous

   A person who behaves in a mean, greedy, or mischievous way, often used humorously.

   Grammar: Countable and usually used in a light or joking way, not as a serious insult.

   Patterns

   • a little goblin
   • you goblin

   He's a little goblin when it comes to sharing his snacks.

   Don't be such a goblin—give your sister a turn.

Word forms

Common combinations

a goblin king

The goblin king ruled the underground kingdom in the movie.

goblin mode

After a long week, I went full goblin mode and stayed in bed all weekend.

fight a goblin

In the game, you have to fight a goblin to get the treasure.

a goblin's lair

The cave was dark and smelly, like a goblin's lair.

Synonyms and how they differ

imp

An imp is also a small mischievous creature, but it is often more devil-like and less ugly than a goblin.

sprite

A sprite is a small magical creature too, but sprites are usually playful and beautiful rather than ugly and mean.

elf

An elf is a magical being as well, but elves are usually shown as tall, graceful, and wise, unlike goblins.

Word family

goblinish adjective

Having qualities like a goblin; mischievous or ugly.

Commonly confused: goblin or goblin?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “goblin”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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