Meaning & use

goblin

noun·Everyday

A small, mischievous, and often ugly imaginary creature found in folklore and fantasy stories.

See it in a sentence

In the story, a goblin guarded the treasure hidden deep in the cave.

The children dressed as goblins for the neighborhood's Halloween parade downtown.

A note on using this word

Goblins are traditionally portrayed as trickier and less noble than trolls or ogres, though the distinction varies by story.

Words with a similar meaning

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