Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective
Definition: A member of a group of small-statured peoples of Africa, Asia, and South America; a person or animal that is abnormally small for its kind.
Pronunciations: US: /ˈpɪɡmi/, UK: /ˈpɪɡmi/
Origin and Usage: The word "pygmy" comes from the Greek word "pygmaios," meaning "dwarf." The term was originally used to describe a group of small-statured people from Africa, but it has since been used to describe small animals as well. The usage of the word "pygmy" as a noun to describe a small-statured person is considered outdated and offensive in some contexts.
Synonyms: Dwarf, midget, small person, tiny, miniature, diminutive.
Related Words: Gnome, dwarf, fairy, elf, troll.
Example Sentences: