dwarf

¹dwarf

noun, often attributive \ˈdwȯrf\

plural dwarfs\ˈdwȯrfs\ also dwarves\ˈdwȯrvz\

Definition of DWARF

1

a : a person of unusually small stature; especially : one whose bodily proportions are abnormal b : an insignificant person <a literary dwarf>

2

: an animal or plant much below normal size

3

: a small legendary manlike being who is usually misshapen and ugly and skilled as a craftsman

4

: a star (as the sun) of ordinary or low luminosity and relatively small mass and size

— dwarf·ish \ˈdwȯr-fish\ adjective

— dwarf·ish·ly adverb

— dwarf·ish·ness noun

— dwarf·like \ˈdwȯrf-ˌlīk\ adjective

— dwarf·ness \ˈdwȯrf-nəs\ noun

Examples of DWARF

1. <Shetland ponies are the dwarfs of the horse world.>
2. <Snow White and the seven dwarfs.>

Origin of DWARF

Middle English dwerg, dwerf, from Old English dweorg, dweorh; akin to Old High German twerg dwarf

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to DWARF

Synonyms: diminutive, midget, mite, peewee, pygmy (also pigmy), runt, scrub, shrimp, Tom Thumb

Antonyms: behemoth, colossus, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan

Related Words: nubbin; mini, miniature; bantam; homunculus, hop-o'-my-thumb, manikin (also mannikin); half-pint

Near Antonyms: whale, whopper

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

Rhymes with DWARF

corf, morph