Definition of "gremlin" in English

noun

1. A contemptible person.

2. An imaginary creature reputed to be mischievously inclined, for example, to damage or dismantle machinery.

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

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

4. A young, inexperienced surfer or skateboarder, regarded as a nuisance.

5. A person regarded as similar to a fictional gremlin, in particular: mischievous, troublesome, short, or annoying.