gremlin

About 0.06 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller} A contemptible person.
2. noun A contemptible person.
3. noun An imaginary creature reputed to be mischievously inclined, for example, to damage or dismantle machinery.
4. noun Any mysterious, unknown source of mischief or trouble, or the problem created thereby.

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

5. noun Any mysterious, unknown source of mischief or trouble, or the problem created thereby.

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

6. noun A young, inexperienced surfer or skateboarder, regarded as a nuisance.
7. noun A person regarded as similar to a fictional gremlin, in particular: mischievous, troublesome, short, or annoying.

Similar words

pixy pixie elf hob imp brownie figment fantasy phantom spectre

Often followed by

is in and was that had of who to

Word family

gremlins