What does hobbit mean?
A hobbit is one of the small, humanlike people created by J. R. R. Tolkien for his fictional world. Hobbits are usually imagined as diminutive,comfortable, and strongly attached to home, food, gardens, and an orderly rural life, yet the best-known hobbits repeatedly undertake dangerous journeys beyond the boundaries of their communities. The term is closely associated with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, where hobbits such as Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and Merry Brandybuck are important characters. “Hobbit” is normally capitalized when referring to Tolkien’s fictional race. It is sometimes used humorously for a small or home-loving person, but the literary meaning remains dominant. Because hobbits combine an ordinary, rustic appearance with remarkable courage, the name has also become a memorable shorthand for an unlikely hero.
proper nounA member of a fictional race of small, humanlike beings created by J. R. R. Tolkien, characteristically portrayed as living in comfortable holes and favoring a peaceful, rustic life.
- A small, humanlike being from Tolkien’s fictional world, characterized by short stature, large feet, curly hair, and a preference for homely surroundings.
"Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit whose unexpected journey leads him far beyond the confines of the Shire."
"Frodo entrusted with the dangerous task of carrying the One Ring to destroy it."
"The hobbit sat by the fire while rain tapped against the round windows of his hole."
The usual plural refers collectively or individually to Tolkien’s fictional people.
"Several hobbits gathered at the Green Dragon Inn."
A hobbit is a small hero with a surprisingly large capacity for courage, adventure, and unexpected journeys.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hobbit
The word “hobbit” was coined by J. R. R. Tolkien and used in his writings during the 1930s, before its appearance in The Hobbit. Tolkien suggested a connection with the Old English word holb, meaning a hollow or sunken place, although the coined word does not have an independently established historical etymology. It is a literary invention rather than an inherited English word with a documented family of cognates.
Related word forms
How hobbit is actually used
Usually capitalized because it names a fictional people created by Tolkien. Lowercase “hobbit” occasionally appears as a general humorous description for a small person, though that use is uncommon and can be perceived as whimsical or dismissive.