This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Monday, March 16, 2026 (5 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Monday puzzles are the easiest of the week, so the clue is likely a plain definition.
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
More clues from this puzzle
- Not suitable (1 Down)
- Social ___ (TikTok, Instagram, etc.) (2 Down)
- Locales for the late news? (3 Down)
- Kicks down the road, as a decision (4 Down)
- Innocent sorts (6 Down)
- Hypothetical (one hopes!) global conflict, for short (7 Down)
- Beanie or beret (8 Down)
- Carefully monitored hosp. area (9 Down)
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