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.

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little people British  

plural noun

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

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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

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

This is because I have a ton of little people living with me: a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 1-and-a-half-year-old.

From Salon ● Nov. 28, 2024

It was something about knowing who the important little people were, the forgotten ones who don’t wear suits, the mail- room clerk, the secretaries, the custodial staffs.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez