Goblin: meaning, definitions and examples

👹

Add to dictionary

goblin

[ˈɡɒblɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fantasy creature

A goblin is a small, grotesque creature in folklore and fantasy fiction. Typically portrayed as mischievous and greedy, goblins are often depicted as causing trouble or mischief for humans.

Synonyms

imp, pixie, sprite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
goblin	This word is often used in fantasy contexts to describe small, mischievous, and often malevolent creatures. Goblins are commonly found in folklore, literature, and role-playing games. The brave knight fought off a group of goblins to protect the village. In the dark forest, the travelers heard the sinister laughter of goblins lurking in the shadows.
imp	This term is used to describe a smaller and less threatening creature compared to a goblin. Imps are usually depicted as mischievous and playful, but their actions can still be troublesome. They are common in fairy tales and folklore. An imp stole the magician's wand and caused chaos in the village. The imp played tricks on the children, hiding their toys and making them disappear.
pixie	This word is often used to depict a small, fairy-like creature known for its playful and sometimes tricky behavior. Pixies are typically considered to be more charming and less threatening than goblins or imps, often associated with magical forests. The pixies danced in the moonlight, casting a gentle glow over the meadow. She followed the mischievous pixie to a hidden glen filled with sparkling lights.
sprite	Sprites are typically small, magical beings associated with water or air elements. They are often depicted as gentle and benevolent creatures in fantasy stories and folklore. Sprites can be seen as more ethereal and delicate than the other terms listed. The water sprite emerged from the brook, its presence calming the distressed travelers. Sprites flitted through the air, leaving trails of sparkling dust in their wake.

Examples of usage

Watch out for the goblin lurking in the shadows.
The goblin stole all the gold from the treasure chest.
The villagers feared the goblin that haunted the old abandoned castle.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

In slang, a goblin can refer to a person who is considered unattractive or unpleasant in appearance.

Synonyms

monster, ugly person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
goblin	A goblin is a creature from mythology and folklore. Goblins are often described as mischievous and small, with an ugly appearance. This word is best used in the context of fantasy stories, games, or discussions related to folklore. The goblin snuck through the forest, looking for treasure. In the game, you have to defeat a group of goblins.
ugly person	This phrase is used to describe someone whose appearance is seen as unattractive. It is often considered rude and offensive, so it's best avoided in polite conversation. If you have to describe something vaguely similar, 'ugly person' could be used in a context where appearance plays a critical role, like fairy tales or when specifically discussing societal standards of beauty. The wicked witch was often described as an ugly person. It is unkind to call someone an ugly person.
monster	Monster is a general term for any large, scary, or terrifying creature. It can be used in various contexts, including horror stories, movies, or to describe someone or something that is unusually cruel or frightening. This word can also have a negative connotation when used to describe people. The monster under the bed kept him awake all night. She called him a monster for his cruel actions.

Word

Description / Examples

goblin

A goblin is a creature from mythology and folklore. Goblins are often described as mischievous and small, with an ugly appearance. This word is best used in the context of fantasy stories, games, or discussions related to folklore.

The goblin snuck through the forest, looking for treasure.
In the game, you have to defeat a group of goblins.

ugly person

This phrase is used to describe someone whose appearance is seen as unattractive. It is often considered rude and offensive, so it's best avoided in polite conversation. If you have to describe something vaguely similar, 'ugly person' could be used in a context where appearance plays a critical role, like fairy tales or when specifically discussing societal standards of beauty.

The wicked witch was often described as an ugly person.
It is unkind to call someone an ugly person.

monster

Monster is a general term for any large, scary, or terrifying creature. It can be used in various contexts, including horror stories, movies, or to describe someone or something that is unusually cruel or frightening. This word can also have a negative connotation when used to describe people.

The monster under the bed kept him awake all night.
She called him a monster for his cruel actions.

Examples of usage

Don't be mean, she's not a goblin, she's just shy.
He's such a goblin, always scowling at everyone.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'goblin' comes from the Old French term 'gobelin', which indicated a mischievous spirit.
It may also be influenced by German folklore, where similar creatures were referred to as 'kobolds'.
In medieval texts, goblins were sometimes described as being associated with evil spirits or terrifying creatures.

Pop Culture

Goblins have made appearances in numerous films and games, most notably in the Harry Potter series as house-elves and in fantasy games like Dungeons & Dragons.
In the video game series 'The Legend of Zelda', goblins are often depicted as enemies that link must defeat.
Goblins also feature in many fairy tales and folklore, where they often guard treasure or cause mischief.

Literature

Goblins were popularized in literature in works like 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien, where they are depicted as malevolent creatures living in caves.
In Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', goblins represent the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Various fairy tales depict goblins as tricksters or helpers, often reflecting human characteristics like greed and cunning.

Psychology

Goblins in stories can represent our fears of the unknown and the hidden side of human nature.
They often embody characteristics we may demonize in ourselves, such as greed or mischief.
These creatures can also serve as a metaphorical way to discuss themes of fear and conflict in children’s storytelling.

Cultural Variations

In some cultures, goblins are seen as helpful, household spirits, similar to the concept of 'leprechauns' in Irish folklore.
In Japan, creatures like 'yokai' share similarities with goblins and often have both benevolent and malevolent forms.
Different cultures depict these creatures with varying traits; for example, in Slavic folklore, they may act as mischievous helpers rather than malevolent beings.

Translations

Translations of the word "goblin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 duende

🇮🇳 गोब्लिन

🇩🇪 Kobold

🇮🇩 goblin

🇺🇦 гоблін

🇵🇱 goblin

🇯🇵 ゴブリン

🇫🇷 gobelin

🇪🇸 duende

🇹🇷 goblin

🇰🇷 도깨비

🇸🇦 عفريت

🇨🇿 skřítek

🇸🇰 škriatok

🇨🇳 妖精 (yāojīng)

🇸🇮 škrat

🇮🇸 þurs

🇰🇿 гоблин

🇬🇪 გობლინი

🇦🇿 goblin

🇲🇽 duende

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,532, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26529 nepotism
26530 endorser
26531 reassuringly
26532 goblin
26533 fatness
26534 disharmony
26535 infusing
...