munchkin

noun

munch·​kin ˈmənch-ˌkin How to pronounce munchkin (audio)
: a person who is notably small and often endearing

Examples of munchkin in a Sentence

“What's wrong, munchkin?” she asked the toddler.
Recent Examples on the Web The skewer is exactly as the name suggests: three munchkins on a stick. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 The film also stars Bowen Yang and Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, as Boq, a munchkin who’s deeply infatuated with her character. Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2024 Treat the munchkins to an afternoon of egg hunts, sweets, Bunny meet & greets, bounce house, games, face painting and arts & crafts. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 This one might seem obvious, but items that can topple, anything low made out of glass, or pieces with sharp corners are a big no-no with a munchkin running around. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024 Even the littlest munchkins deserve a little something special on Valentine’s Day. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 5 Feb. 2024 If the munchkins do plan on munching on the chia, please, uh, don’t. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2023 Your little munchkin can play the role of Swee'Pea. 12 of 30 The Wizard of Oz No matter the size of your family, everyone can find a character in The Wizard of Oz to replicate. Deborah Way, Parents, 6 Oct. 2023 The spot ends with a promotion for the new drink, which launches Wednesday and is based on frozen coffee blended with pumpkin munchkins (donut holes). Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'munchkin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

the Munchkins, diminutive creatures in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of munchkin was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near munchkin

Cite this Entry

“Munchkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/munchkin. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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