# dwarves

/ˈdwɔɹvz/ (US) · /dwˈɔːvz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dwarves
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

small, strong people in fantasy stories who often live underground and work with metal. In science, it can also describe stars that are smaller than usual.

For teachers: the plural form of 'dwarf', referring to a race of short, stout beings in folklore and fantasy literature, or to stars of relatively small size and low luminosity. While 'dwarfs' is also a standard plural, this specific spelling is strongly associated with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and modern high fantasy.

## Examples

- The dwarves worked deep inside the mountain mines.
- In many fantasy novels, dwarves are depicted as expert blacksmiths who value tradition and gold.
- The author chose the spelling 'dwarves' to distinguish his noble, ancient race from the more whimsical or diminutive figures found in traditional nursery tales.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The dwarves is mining." but "The dwarves are mining." — Dwarves is a plural noun and requires a plural verb agreement.

## Usage notes

- Takes a plural verb. The spelling 'dwarves' is preferred in fantasy contexts, whereas 'dwarfs' is more common in biological or astronomical contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.