leprechaun

noun

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

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.
Though most people do believe in angels, fairies and leprechauns are not in the same category. Diane Owens Prettyman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Mar. 2024 In her 20s at the time, Aniston stars as a young woman living in a house haunted by an evil leprechaun. James Mercadante, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 The possibility that such a thing still exists in our divided country seems as improbable as leprechauns, mermaids or gas under $3 a gallon. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024 Kev rolls up his sleeves, revealing a faded tattoo of a leprechaun, an overflowing beer mug in his hand. Jay Bulger, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near leprechaun

Cite this Entry

“Leprechaun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leprechaun. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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