pygmy
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for pygmy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A member of certain Central African peoples known for their notably short average height.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
giant
ettin
How to use pygmy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pygmy hippo
pygmy goat
Etymology
From Greek pugmaios, related to pugme ("fist"), originally describing a legendary race said to be as tall as a fist.
Full origin of pygmy →Frequently asked questions
What does “pygmy” mean?
The word “pygmy” means a member of certain Central African peoples known for their notably short average height. In plain terms, refers either to certain short-statured Central African peoples, or, as an adjective, to an unusually small variety of something.
How do you pronounce “pygmy”?
“Pygmy” is pronounced PIHG-mee (/ˈpɪɡmi/ in IPA).
How do you use “pygmy” in a sentence?
Here is “pygmy” used in a sentence: “Anthropologists have studied Pygmy communities in the Congo rainforest for decades.”
What is another word for “pygmy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pygmy” include dwarf, midget, pygmyish and dwarfish.
What is the opposite of “pygmy”?
The opposite of “pygmy” — its antonyms — are giant and ettin.
What part of speech is “pygmy”?
Depending on how it is used, “pygmy” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “pygmy” come from?
The word “pygmy” comes from Greek. From Greek pugmaios, related to pugme ("fist"), originally describing a legendary race said to be as tall as a fist.
How many meanings does “pygmy” have?
“Pygmy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of certain Central African peoples known for their notably short average height.
