A gnome is a mythical creature from European folklore, imagined as a small, bearded man who lives underground and guards treasures hidden in the earth. In old stories, gnomes were earth spirits who could move through solid rock as easily as fish swim through water. Miners sometimes blamed gnomes when tunnels collapsed or when they couldn't find the ore they were searching for.

In gardens today, you might see cheerful gnome statues: short figures with pointy red hats and long white beards, often holding lanterns or fishing rods. These garden gnomes became popular in Germany in the 1800s and spread across the world as lawn decorations. Some people collect them, some people think they're silly, and some families even give their garden gnomes names and personalities.

The word can also describe a person who is small and odd-looking, though this usage can be unkind. In fantasy games and stories, gnomes are often portrayed as clever inventors or tinkerers, good with machines and magic but not particularly tall or strong. They're usually depicted as friendly and helpful, unlike goblins or trolls.