What does pygmy mean?
A pygmy is an exceptionally small person, animal, or plant, especially one belonging to a species distinguished by its small size. The word occurs in names such as pygmy marmoset, pygmy hippo, pygmy frog, and pygmy palm, where it identifies a member of a smaller-sized variety rather than an individual that happens to be undersized. Historically, “pygmy” was also applied to several peoples described as having short stature. That ethnic use is now generally avoided because it may be derogatory and because the description does not accurately represent the diversity of human populations. The term comes through Latin from Greek pygmē, meaning a person or creature of tiny size, and is also associated with the Pygmies of Greek mythology, who fought the giant cranes.
An exceptionally small person, animal, or plant; especially, a member of a variety or species characterized by very small size.
"The zoo acquired a pygmy marmoset for its tropical exhibit."
Historical use as the name for certain peoples is generally avoided because it can be derogatory and misleading.
Characterized by exceptionally small size.
"The garden contains a pygmy lemon tree in a large pot."
Often used attributively in names of animals, plants, and other natural objects.
The standard plural is “pygmies.” In modern biological compounds, the plural is often formed regularly, as in “pygmy marmosets.”
"Several pygmies were identified among the animals in the survey."
From a race of tiny people in Greek myth, “pygmy” now lends its name to some of the world’s smallest animals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pygmy come from?
The word comes from Latin pygmaeus, derived from Greek pygmē, “a person or creature of tiny stature.” Greek tradition described the Pygmies as a race of tiny people, and the term passed into Latin and then into English. Its modern use as a descriptive prefix for exceptionally small animals and plants continues the original sense of small size.
Related word forms
How pygmy is actually used
The historical use of “pygmy” to name an ethnic group is now generally avoided because it can be derogatory and can falsely suggest that such peoples are uniformly of very short stature. In modern biological usage, it commonly forms the first element of compound names for exceptionally small organisms.
Easily confused with pygmy
Both can describe someone of unusually short stature, but “midget” is now considered inappropriate and potentially derogatory when applied to a person.