midget

American  

[mij-it] / ˈmɪdʒ ɪt /

noun

1. Older Use: Disparaging and Offensive. an abnormally small person having normal physical proportions.

2. any animal or thing that is very small for its kind.

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adjective

1. very small or of a class below the usual size.

2. being a miniature replica or model.

midget British  

/ ˈmɪdʒɪt /

noun

1. a dwarf whose skeleton and features are of normal proportions

2. 1. something small of its kind

   2. ( as modifier )

      a midget car

3. an age level of 16 to 17 in amateur sport, esp ice hockey

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Sensitive Note

A dwarf is someone with a medical condition that results in stunted growth (58 inches or shorter in height), with a physical form that is disproportionate or not normally developed in some way. The word midget is not a synonym; it is disparaging and offensive and should be avoided. It was formerly used for someone of proportionate form but abnormally small physical stature. The terms dwarf and little person are now preferable in reference to these short-statured people.

Other Word Forms

• midgetism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of midget

First recorded in 1850–55; midge + -et

Explanation

Midget is an offensive term for someone who is much smaller than average. While it's acceptable today to describe an inanimate object with the adjective midget, it's never okay to use the word for a person. Long ago, people felt free to describe little people as midgets — for example, the actors who played the Munchkins in the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz" were routinely described as midgets. Today we'd avoid describing these actors by their physical characteristics, but if we did they'd be called "little people," "dwarfs," "LP," or even "people of short stature." Save midget for midget crabapples or midget submarines.

Example Sentences

Maryland and Virginia area, said kei cars have grown in appeal among Americans because they are eye-catching and practical, carrying quirky names such as the Daihatsu Midget and the Suzuki Mighty Boy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

In 2022, she ran a successful campaign to change the name of Midget Gems sweets in some supermarkets.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2023

Vrabel also fired offensive line coach Keith Carter, secondary coach Anthony Midget and offensive skills assistant Erik Frazier.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2023

Two days before he left for Washington, he practiced twice with the team of his Midget AAA coach.

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2021

Rosy Posy trotted along by her mother's side, King and Kitty walked together, and Midget pretended to walk by her father's side, but really danced back and forth from one to another.

From Marjorie's Busy Days by Wells, Carolyn