Definitions

1. noun

a mythical creature that is said to be a mischievous spirit or a troublemaker, typically depicted as a small, grotesque being

“The plane’s engine failure was blamed on a gremlin.”

2. noun

a small mechanical or electrical device that can cause trouble or malfunction, especially in a machine or electronic system

“The gremlin in the computer system was causing all sorts of problems.”

3. noun

a person who causes trouble or creates problems, often in a playful or mischievous way

“He’s such a gremlin, always causing trouble at work.”