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DictionarydwarfSmall mythical being
noun

dwarf

A small humanlike being in folklore and fantasy.

The dwarf guards a hidden doorway in the fantasy mountain kingdom.

Etymology
dwarfOld Englishdwarf

Old English dweorg already named a dwarf. The modern fantasy sense continues this traditional name for a small humanlike being.

More examples

  • Several dwarves worked in the story's underground forge.
  • The tale's dwarf offered the travelers shelter.
  • A wise dwarf solved the riddle.

Forms

dwarf · dwarfs · dwarves

Similar words

gnome
Another small folklore being, often specifically associated with earth or gardens.
elf
An elf belongs to a different fantasy tradition and is not necessarily stocky or subterranean.