dwarf

[ dwawrf ]

noun

, plural dwarves [dwawrvz], dwarfs.

1. a person of abnormally small physical stature resulting from a medical or genetic condition, especially a person with achondroplasia or some other disease that produces disproportion or deformation of features and limbs.
2. an animal or plant much smaller than the average of its kind or species.

   Synonyms: runt

3. (in folklore) a being in the form of a small, often misshapen man, usually having magic powers.
4. Astronomy. dwarf star.

adjective

1. of unusually small stature or size; diminutive.

   Synonyms: tiny, small, miniature

   Antonyms: gigantic, giant

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to appear or seem small in size, extent, character, etc., as by being much larger or better:

   He dwarfed all his rivals in athletic ability.

2. to make dwarf or dwarfish; prevent the due development of.

verb (used without object)

1. to become stunted or smaller.

dwarf

/ dwɔːf /

noun

1. an abnormally undersized person, esp one with a large head and short arms and legs Compare midget
2. 1. an animal or plant much below the average height for the species
   2. ( as modifier )

      a dwarf tree

3. (in folklore) a small ugly manlike creature, often possessing magical powers
4. astronomy short for dwarf star

verb

1. to become or cause to become comparatively small in size, importance, etc
2. tr to stunt the growth of

dwarf

/ dwôrf /

1. An abnormally small person, often having limbs and features atypically proportioned or formed.
2. An atypically small animal or plant.
3. A dwarf star or dwarf galaxy.

Sensitive Note

Is it OK to say dwarf? See midget.

Derived Forms

• ˈdwarfishly, adverb
• ˈdwarfishness, noun
• ˈdwarfish, adjective

Other Words From

• dwarf·like adjective
• dwarf·ness noun
• un·dwarfed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dwarf¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English dwerf, Old English dweorh; replacing Middle English dwerg, Old English dweorg; cognate with Old High German twerg, Old Norse dvergr

Word History and Origins

Origin of dwarf¹

Old English dweorg; related to Old Norse dvergr, Old High German twerc

Example Sentences

Pygmy hippos, otherwise known as dwarf hippos, are native to West Africa and experts believe there are only about 2,500 left in the wild worldwide.

From BBC

This would dwarf the 208 they overhauled against the same opposition in Lahore in 1961.

From BBC

Richard Posner and Frank Easterbrook, two judges appointed by Ronald Reagan, have influence numbers that dwarf those of Murphy and St. Eve.

From Slate

The idea of casting little people had previously proven controversial after Emmy winner Peter Dinklage called out the “hypocrisy” of Disney being “very proud to cast a Latino actress as Snow White” while telling a “backward” story that makes caricatures of dwarf people.

From Los Angeles Times

As well as the Sun there are eight planets, five officially named dwarf planets, hundreds of moons, thousands of comets, and more than a million asteroids.

From BBC

Related Words

• gnome
• goblin
• gremlin
• hobgoblin
• troll