Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

dwarfism

American  
[dwawr-fiz-uhm] / ˈdwɔr fɪz əm /

noun

  1. the condition of having abnormally small physical stature resulting from a medical or genetic condition, as achondroplasia or some other disease that produces disproportion or deformation of features and limbs.


dwarfism British  
/ ˈdwɔːfɪzəm /

noun

  1. the condition of being a dwarf

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dwarfism Scientific  
/ dwôrfĭz′əm /
  1. Abnormally short stature, usually caused by a hereditary disorder.


Etymology

Origin of dwarfism

First recorded in 1860–65; dwarf + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Sales of another key product, Voxzogo, which treats a form of dwarfism, are expected to have hit $912 million in 2025, according to FactSet, up from $735 million in 2024.

From Barron's Dec. 19, 2025

Zarwa, from London, has geleophysic dysplasia, a rare type of dwarfism that affects just over 30 people worldwide.

From BBC Dec. 13, 2025

Hundreds of genetic mutations are associated with dwarfism, which causes shorter stature.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 11, 2025

Together with her husband, Ms Davis co-founded the charity Little People UK in 2012 to help individuals with dwarfism and their families.

From BBC Apr. 14, 2025

Unfortunately, growth hormone cannot at this time be inexpensively synthesized and is still far too costly to be used therapeutically except to prevent dwarfism.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Steve Solomon

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training