little person

[ lit-l pur-suhn ]

noun

1. a person of small stature, like someone with dwarfism.
2. a small child.

Word History and Origins

Origin of little person¹

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

How was it possible, I wondered, that I could care for this little person on my own?

From The Daily Beast

“If a little person can fight a bull, he can do anything,” one bullfighting dwarf said of his chosen profession.

From The Daily Beast

The publicist for the film, a little person who answered to the name “JoJo,” approaches Ja Rule with some unfortunate news.

From The Daily Beast

Sir Leo Chiozza Money is ordinarily a chirpy little person, quite able to take care of himself.

From Project Gutenberg

If only, I thought, she could sweep her head clear of Adrian, what a fascinating little person she might be.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked ill and weak, but seemed a perfectly plucky and determined little person.

From Project Gutenberg

I was a very superficial little person; not at all tolerant, very satisfied with myself, and very dissatisfied with others.

From Project Gutenberg

A few moments later they returned with a thin, sleepy little person wrapped in a red dressing gown.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gnome
• goblin
• gremlin
• hobgoblin
• troll