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: a cause of error or equipment malfunction (as in aircraft) conceived of as a small mischievous gnome
Synonyms
Examples of gremlin in a Sentence
during the World Wars, fighter pilots adopted the fanciful notion that gremlins were responsible for mechanical failures on their planes
Recent Examples on the Web
Ghosts in the Machine Ellen Walker October 23, 2024
Forty years ago, Hollywood made gremlins loveable—portraying them as adorable, furry creatures.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 23 Dec. 2024
The gremlins come out; the edifices crumble; the saucy doubts and fears triumph.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
The holiday tale doubles as a good entry into horror for youngsters, with a small town beset by freaky gremlins because teenagers can't follow simple instructions.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
Yet in their original form gremlins are alive and well, living under new names—daemons, worms, virtual pets.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
origin unknown
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Gremlin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gremlin. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
gremlin
noun
grem·lin
ˈgrem-lən
: a small mischievous or troublesome creature
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