a person of unusually small stature; in mythology, a small humanoid creature
Old English dweorh, from Proto-Germanic *dwergaz, related to Old Norse dvergr
The word 'dwarf' has been used in English for over a thousand years, originally referring to the mythological beings before being applied to people with dwarfism.
Medical language around dwarfism historically weaponized for entertainment/spectacle; gendered dimensions emerge in beauty standards and reproductive narratives about people with dwarfism.
Use person-first or identity-first language per individual preference; avoid 'dwarf' as verb (diminishing) or spectacle noun.
["person with dwarfism","little person"]
Disability advocates and artists with dwarfism reclaimed representation; reject historical freak-show framing.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.