Munchkin
/ˈmʌntʃkɪn/
A munchkin is a very small person, especially a child, or a member of the tiny, colorful race from The Wizard of Oz.
Examples
- Munchkins love to play hide and seek in the garden.
- Our cat thinks the munchkin is a perfect spot for a nap.
- She called her niece a munchkin when she saw her tiny shoes.
- When the tornado hit, the Munchkins fled to safety.
- In the film, the Munchkin characters were portrayed with bright costumes.
Meanings
The term was coined for the diminutive people in Baum’s 1900 novel, and later generalized to refer to any tiny person.
Examples
- Munchkins love to play hide and seek in the garden.
- She called her niece a munchkin when she saw her tiny shoes.
- The toddler munchkined across the room with a giggle.
- During the party, the munchkin costumes were the most popular.
- Our cat thinks the munchkin is a perfect spot for a nap.
Baum created the name to describe the diminutive inhabitants of Munchkin Country, drawing on the whimsical style of his fantasy world.
Examples
- The Munchkin marched proudly in the Emerald City parade.
- A group of Munchkins welcomed Dorothy with cheerful songs.
- In the film, the Munchkin characters were portrayed with bright costumes.
- The story mentions that the Munchkin king ruled with kindness.
- When the tornado hit, the Munchkins fled to safety.