midget

[ mij-it ]

noun
  1. Older Use: Disparaging and Offensive. an abnormally small person having normal physical proportions.

  2. any animal or thing that is very small for its kind.

adjective
  1. very small or of a class below the usual size.

  2. being a miniature replica or model.

Origin of midget

1
First recorded in 1850–55; midge + -et

usage note For midget

1. A dwarf is someone with a medical condition that results in stunted growth (58 inches or shorter in height), with a physical form that is disproportionate or not normally developed in some way. The word midget is not a synonym; it is disparaging and offensive and should be avoided. It was formerly used for someone of proportionate form but abnormally small physical stature. The terms dwarf and little person are now preferable in reference to these short-statured people.

Other words from midget

  • midg·et·ism, noun

Words Nearby midget

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use midget in a sentence

  • Where else would you find a midget on stilts peering into the shadowy corners of a storage locker with night vision equipment?

    The Sleaziest Reality Show Yet? | Christopher Dickey | December 2, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • The midget recovered Alfred's knife from the dust and walked over to the trailer that he noted had a wooden coop of slats aboard.

    David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
  • "Gillis Station," he called out to the midget who had remained very quiet.

    David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
  • It was no doubt a singular sight to the residents to see a midget with six-footers, but it was just that way.

    David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
  • Reappearing with the dead body, he bore it in his huge arms to the stoneboat: a midget carrying a giant.

  • To the midget stuff I thought I would add a few paragraphs about circus people, the different kinds and what they do.

    David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney

British Dictionary definitions for midget

midget

/ (ˈmɪdʒɪt) /


noun
  1. a dwarf whose skeleton and features are of normal proportions

    • something small of its kind

    • (as modifier): a midget car

  1. Canadian an age level of 16 to 17 in amateur sport, esp ice hockey

Origin of midget

1
C19: from midge + -et

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012