1dwarf pronunciation: function:  noun inflected form(s):  plural  dwarfs    also  dwarves usage:  often attributive etymology: middle english dwerg, dwerf, from old english dweorg, dweorh; akin to old high german twerg dwarfdate: before 12th century 1 a : a person of unusually small stature; especially  : one whose bodily proportions are abnormal b : an insignificant person lt;a literary dwarfgt;2 : an animal or plant much below normal size3 : a small legendary manlike being who is usually misshapen and ugly and skilled as a craftsman4 : a star (as the sun) of ordinary or low luminosity and relatively small mass and size— dwarf;ish    adjective — dwarf;ish;ly  adverb — dwarf;ish;ness  noun — dwarf;like    adjective — dwarf;ness    noun