hobbit

[ hob-it ]

noun

1. a member of a race of imaginary creatures related to and resembling humans, living in underground holes and characterized by their good nature, diminutive size, and hairy feet.
2. a nickname for Homo floresiensis.

hobbit

/ ˈhɒbɪt /

noun

1. one of an imaginary race of half-size people living in holes
2. a nickname used for a very small type of primitive human, Homo floresiensis , following the discovery of remains of eight such people on the Island of Flores, Indonesia, in 2004

Derived Forms

• ˈhobbitry, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobbit¹

1937; coined by J. R. R. Tolkien in his fantasy novel “The Hobbit”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobbit¹

C20: coined by J. R. R. Tolkien , with the meaning ``hole-builder''

Example Sentences

“The hobbits started talking about, ‘Well, maybe you need a “gand” to help you control your powers.’

From Los Angeles Times

Here, it was pure joy to watch HORA’s actors embrace their inner hobbits, dwarves, wizards, orcs and elves — including one that yodels!

From New York Times

“In that conflict,” Tolkien concludes, “both sides would have held hobbits in hatred and contempt: they would not long have survived even as slaves.”

From Salon

In the months before Christopher Paolini wrote the book that made him a star in young adult fantasy, he built a hobbit hole.

From New York Times

Most homes and businesses are wedged onto tiny lots, the buildings often designed with fairy-tale flourishes, as if commissioned by hobbits with trust funds.

From Los Angeles Times