midget

[ mij-it ]

noun

Older Use: Disparaging and Offensive. an abnormally small person having normal physical proportions.
any animal or thing that is very small for its kind.

adjective

very small or of a class below the usual size.
being a miniature replica or model.

Origin of midget

First recorded in 1850–55; midge + -et

usage note For midget

1. 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 words from midget

midg·et·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use midget in a sentence

India is a land of political midgets, damn it, and Narendra Modi is going to do something about it.
In India, Size is Everything | Tunku Varadarajan | November 2, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
“There are very few midgets left today; they are like dinosaurs,” said Steve Cox, the author of The Munchkins of Oz.
Meet Ruth Duccini, a Munchkin From ‘The Wizard of Oz’ | Ramin Setoodeh | March 8, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Note: There is a Munchkins scene in the new Oz the Great and Powerful, but the actors playing them are dwarfs—not midgets.
Meet Ruth Duccini, a Munchkin From ‘The Wizard of Oz’ | Ramin Setoodeh | March 8, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He said Republicans needed to improve their image with everyone, “including one-armed midgets.”
The 2009 Daily Beast Political Awards | Samuel P. Jacobs | December 23, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST
One man, Baron Singer, did more for midgets—little people—than any other person, in all time.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney

I just joined up because Baron Singer was collecting midgets, showing 'em a good time, with no thought of making a profit.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
I noticed that midgets didn't change their voices when they reached maturity, still spoke in childish tones.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
Midgets do have love-longings and jealousies, and love-making is carried on with all the zeal of modern warfare.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney
The public wants to see midgets and fully fifty percent of these are now engaged in some form of show business.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. Harney

British Dictionary definitions for midget

midget

/ (ˈmɪdʒɪt) /

noun

a dwarf whose skeleton and features are of normal proportions
- something small of its kind
- (as modifier): a midget car

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

Origin of midget

C19: from midge + -et

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

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