munchkin

noun

munch·​kin ˈmənch-ˌkin How to pronounce munchkin (audio)
: a person who is notably small and often endearing

Examples of munchkin in a Sentence

“What's wrong, munchkin?” she asked the toddler.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Influencer Alix Earle headlines the chain’s new menu with the Earle-y Riser Meal, which comes with a Shakin’ Espresso with almond milk and sugar-free vanilla, a Sausage, Egg and Cheese Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap and three munchkins. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Minskin The minskin is another small breed developed via sphynx and munchkin roots. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 The Pomeranian munchkins in Munchkinland skitter around, sniffing wagging butts. — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Gender is often ambiguous—or beside the point—with getups ranging from church lady to dance-hall tart to BDSM munchkin. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for munchkin

Word History

Etymology

the Munchkins, diminutive creatures in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) by L. Frank Baum

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of munchkin was in 1972

Browse Nearby Words

munchies
munchkin
Muncie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Munchkin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/munchkin. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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