This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, July 18, 2026 (5 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Saturday puzzles are the hardest of the week and themeless, so clues are often deliberately misleading.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
E _ _
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About the answer
ELF as a word: (fantasy) A member of a race of tall, slender, graceful beings with pointed ears, typically immortal or very long-lived and possessing wisdom and magical abi...; (folklore) A small, magical creature similar to a fairy, often mischievous, playful, or occasionally helpful.
ELF has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 17, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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