Dwarf
/dwɔːrf/
Definitions
3 meaningsA being, usually of human shape, but much smaller than a human.
/dwɔːrf/
A mythical or fictional being of human form, but much smaller than an average person.
The children loved the story about the seven dwarves.
💡 Simply: Think of a tiny person, like the ones in fairy tales or fantasy stories. They're usually shorter than normal people, and sometimes they have special powers or skills, like being really good at making things.
👶 For kids: A dwarf is a little person from a story, like in Snow White. They are small and sometimes work as miners or have other special skills.
More Examples
Dwarves are a common character in fantasy novels and video games.
The blacksmith was a dwarf, known for his exceptional craftsmanship.
How It's Used
"In Tolkien's *The Hobbit*, dwarves are skilled miners and craftsmen."
"Dwarves in Norse mythology were often associated with blacksmithing and treasure."
Something that is small, or smaller than the typical size, in its type or species.
/dwɔːrf/
A person or thing of unusually small size, especially when compared to others of its kind.
A dwarf car zipped past, looking incredibly small on the highway.
💡 Simply: Imagine something that's much smaller than it should be. Like a dwarf car is a tiny car compared to regular ones, or a dwarf planet is a smaller version of a planet.
👶 For kids: A dwarf can be something that's a lot smaller than other things of its kind. Like a tiny plant compared to a regular plant.
More Examples
The bonsai tree was a dwarf version of a full-sized oak.
Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet.
How It's Used
"A white dwarf is the remnant of a star that has exhausted its fuel."
"Dwarf trees are often used in bonsai."
To cause something to seem small or less important by comparison; to diminish or overshadow.
/dwɔːrf/
To cause to appear small or insignificant in comparison.
The monument dwarfed the surrounding buildings.
💡 Simply: To make something else seem really small or unimportant next to it, like a giant building making the houses around it seem tiny.
👶 For kids: When something is so big that it makes other things look small.
More Examples
Her talent dwarfed the abilities of her rivals.
The sheer size of the mountain dwarfed our little group.
How It's Used
"His accomplishments dwarfed those of his predecessors."
"The towering skyscrapers dwarfed the older buildings."
Idioms & expressions
dwarf star
A star that is smaller and less bright than a giant star.
"White dwarf stars are the remnants of stars that have exhausted their fuel."
dwarf planet
A celestial body resembling a planet but not meeting the criteria for full planetary status.
"Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet."
From Old English *dweorg* (masculine) and *dweorʒ* (neuter), cognate with Old Norse *dvergr*, and Proto-Germanic *dwergaz*. Originally referring to a mythological being. The biological meaning evolved later.
The word 'dwarf' has been used since Old English times and initially referred only to the mythological being. The sense of 'small size' in the general use of the word developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine a miniature person with a long beard and a hammer – a dwarf!
Word Origin
"a short person"