Noun

(en noun)

A mythical creature reputed to be mechanically and mischievously inclined to damage or dismantle machinery.

(by extension) Any mysterious, unknown source of trouble or mischief.

:We rechecked everything, and we suspect gremlins in the database.

Noun

(en noun)

(fantasy literature) A mythical malevolent phantom or grotesque diminutive humanoid; a kobold.

* 1872', , ''The Princess and the '''Goblin , page 50,

""

* 2006 , Charlotte Bishop, Norty: The Chosen Ones , page 187,

At last the goblins' had a chance to rid themselves of one of the troublesome defenders, and two ' goblin warriors snatched the opportunity.

* 2010 , Thom L. Nichols, War: Return of the Elves , Part 1, page 37,

The goblin shifted the two younger ones closer to him. It looked like he was hiding behind them, using them as a shield.

The goblin looked pure evil. His eyes were brown.

* 2010', D. S. Macleod, ''The Middle Times: Rise of the '''Goblin King , page 229,

I shall send another entourage of goblins' back here to Desput with the '''goblins'''’ new ally the Pixy! These creatures deserve the same respect as any other ' goblin .

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-22, volume=407, issue=8841, page=76, magazine=(The Economist)

, title= Snakes and ladders , passage=Risk is everywhere. From tabloid headlines insisting that coffee causes cancer (yesterday, of course, it cured it) to stern government warnings about alcohol and driving, the world is teeming with goblins . For each one there is a frighteningly precise measurement of just how likely it is to jump from the shadows and get you.}}

Noun