gnome

/noʊm/
noun
  1. A small, imaginary creature in folklore, often depicted as a bearded old man living underground or in gardens.
    • In the story, a wise gnome helped the lost children find their way home.
    • My aunt collects gnome figurines from every country she visits.
    • The garden was decorated with a cheerful ceramic gnome holding a fishing rod.
  2. A small statue or figurine of such a creature, used as a garden ornament.
    • The neighbor's lawn is full of colorful gnomes and fairy lights.
    • Someone stole the garden gnome from our front yard last night.
    • She painted a new hat on the gnome to match the flowers.
  3. A person who is very small in stature, sometimes used humorously or affectionately.
    • My grandfather, a tiny gnome of a man, could fix any watch.
    • The little boy, a cheerful gnome in his oversized coat, waved at everyone.
    • She called her youngest son her 'little gnome' because of his love for hiding in cupboards.
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