dwarfism

noun

dwarf·​ism ˈdwȯr-ˌfi-zəm 

: a condition of stunted growth

especially : a condition (such as achondroplasia) of people and animals marked by unusually small size or short stature

Examples of dwarfism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Hulu series is a dramatization of the real-life events of Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass), the couple who adopted Natalia, a Ukrainian orphan with a rare and severe form of dwarfism. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

Imogen Faith Reid, who also has a form of dwarfism, brings a crushing sense of vulnerability, as Natalia physically struggles more and more, barely able to turn the tap on the bathtub, let alone live independently as an adult. —Barry Levitt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025

Michael and Kristine Barnett adopted Natalia, a Ukrainian orphan with a rare form of dwarfism, in 2010. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The choice was criticized by many actors with dwarfism, including actress Ali Chapman. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dwarfism

• anthropomorphism
• homeomorphism
• automorphism
• homomorphism
• isomorphism
• metamorphism
• dimorphism

Medical Definition

dwarfism

noun

dwarf·​ism ˈdwȯr-ˌfiz-əm 

: a condition of stunted growth

especially : a condition (as achondroplasia) marked by unusually small size or short stature