little people

American  

[lit-l pee-puhl] / ˈlɪt l ˌpi pəl /

plural noun

1. (in folklore) small, imaginary beings, as elves, fairies, or leprechauns.

2. the common people, especially workers, small merchants, or the like, who lead conventional, presumably unremarkable lives.

---

little people British  

plural noun

1. folklore small supernatural beings, such as elves, pixies, or leprechauns

---

Etymology

Origin of little people

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

little people

Pate said recent Democratic wins in regional and local elections had given her "hope that the little people -- the working class — maybe are being heard."

From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026

What’s most disturbing is how little people seem to care.

From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026

However, Sian said she was surprised by how little people knew about stem cell donation.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2026

One way to understand how little people thought of these teams’ chances before the start of the season is through their preseason odds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

Out tumbled a whole world of little people, all dressed up and painted and made of clothespins.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney