When writing about dwarfs or dwarves, the traditional, standard, plural matters because the meanings, usage, and contexts change how readers understand people, a person with dwarfism, or even scientific objects in the real-world and non-fantasy sense.
In everyday English, dwarfs is the technically correct term under normal rules, whether you mean someone of short stature, astronomical bodies like a star smaller than the sun, or a verb and verb-form that functions as comparison, such as a building that dwarfs trees. This accepted form keeps clarity and dignity, and its cultural weight feels neutral outside fantasy settings, which is why I still use it in professional editing for real-world writing.
Things change in fantasy, where dwarves describe a fictional, mythological, bearded, mining race of folk from literature and imagined worlds like Middle-earth, a choice popularized and cemented by Tolkien, specifically J.R.R. Tolkien, through The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien’s choice was intentional, though he acknowledged it deviated from standard grammar, even calling it a misspelling he admitted in a private letter as bad grammar for a philologist, written to his publisher, Stanley Unwin. Still, his immense popularity and influence on other authors and games made dwarves the established, go-to word for fantasy characters in the genre, while dwarf remains correct elsewhere for objects, bodies, and everyday description.
Meaning of “Dwarfs” and “Dwarves” in Modern English
At its core, the word dwarf refers to:
- A person, animal, or plant that is unusually small
- Something that seems tiny compared to something else
The confusion begins with the plural form.
Accepted plural forms:
- Dwarfs
- Dwarves
Yes—both are correct, but they are used differently depending on context.
Is “Dwarves” Grammatically Correct or Just Fantasy English?
Short answer:
Yes, dwarves is grammatically correct.
Clear definition (Featured Snippet–style):
“Dwarfs” and “dwarves” are both correct plural forms of “dwarf.” “Dwarfs” is standard in general and scientific English, while “dwarves” is commonly used in fantasy, mythology, and fictional writing.
The idea that dwarves is “wrong” comes from how English normally forms plurals—but language evolves.
Singular and Plural Forms Explained Simply
| Singular | Plural (Standard) | Plural (Alternative) |
| dwarf | dwarfs | dwarves |
Dwarfs follows regular plural rules (add -s)- Dwarves follows an irregular pattern (like leaf → leaves)
Both appear in modern dictionaries.
Historical Background of Dwarfs vs Dwarves
Originally, “dwarfs” was the only accepted plural.
The form “dwarves” became popular in the 20th century, largely due to fantasy literature.
A major influence was J. R. R. Tolkien, who deliberately used dwarves to sound more ancient and mythical.
“I am afraid it is just a piece of private bad grammar.” — J. R. R. Tolkien (humorously explaining his choice)
Ironically, Tolkien’s “bad grammar” became widely accepted.
How Native Speakers Actually Use “Dwarfs” and “Dwarves”
Native speakers choose based on context, not grammar rules alone.
Common usage patterns:
- Dwarfs → real-world, scientific, descriptive
- Dwarves → fantasy, mythology, storytelling
Most native speakers won’t correct you either way—but they do notice tone and context.
Dwarfs vs Dwarves in Literature, Movies, and Pop Culture
Fantasy & Fiction:
- The Lord of the Rings → dwarves
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs → dwarfs
- Video games (RPGs, MMOs) → dwarves
Fantasy prefers dwarves because it:
- Sounds older and magical
- Feels separate from real-world usage
Grammar Rules Behind Irregular Plurals in English
English has two plural systems:
- Regular plurals → add -s or -es
- Irregular plurals → change internal spelling
Examples:
- leaf → leaves
- wolf → wolves
- knife → knives
Dwarves follows this second pattern, even though dwarfs remains valid.
Correct vs Incorrect Usage in Sentences
Correct usage:
- The mountain dwarfs the village below.
- The fantasy novel features elves and dwarves.
- Red dwarf stars are common in our galaxy.
Incorrect or awkward usage:
- ❌ The telescope studied red dwarves stars.
✅ The telescope studied red dwarf stars.
Why? Scientific terms prefer standard grammar, not fantasy forms.
Usage by Context: Science, Mythology, Fantasy, and Everyday English
Science & Astronomy
Use dwarf / dwarfs:
- dwarf stars
- dwarf planets
- white dwarfs
Mythology & Fantasy
Use dwarves:
- mountain dwarves
- forest dwarves
- warrior dwarves
Everyday Metaphorical Use
Use dwarfs:
- His success dwarfs mine.
- The skyscraper dwarfs the houses.
Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make
Mistake 1: Thinking one form is “wrong”
Both are correct—context matters.
Mistake 2: Using dwarves in scientific writing
Stick with dwarfs in academic or technical contexts.
Mistake 3: Mixing singular and plural
- ❌ A group of dwarf
- ✅ A group of dwarfs
Dwarfs or Dwarves in Academic and Formal Writing
Formal writing prefers:
- Dwarfs for clarity and convention
- Consistency over stylistic creativity
Academic journals, textbooks, and news outlets almost always use dwarfs unless discussing fiction.
Idioms, Expressions, and Related Phrases
Common expressions:
- “Dwarf something” – to make it seem small
Her achievements dwarf mine. - “Dwarf planet” – official astronomical term
(Pluto is a dwarf planet.)
There are no common idioms using “dwarves”—another sign it’s mainly literary.
Synonyms and Alternative Words
For people or creatures:
| Word | Usage |
| little people | neutral, respectful |
| mythical beings | fantasy |
| small folk | literary |
For metaphorical meaning:
| Alternative | Example |
| overshadow | His fame overshadows hers |
| outscale | The project outscales others |
| dominate | One issue dominates the debate |
Quick Reference Table: When to Use Dwarfs or Dwarves
| Context | Correct Choice |
| Astronomy | dwarfs |
| Biology | dwarfs |
| Fantasy novels | dwarves |
| Movies & games | dwarves |
| Metaphorical verbs | dwarfs |
| Academic writing | dwarfs |
FAQs
Are “dwarfs” and “dwarves” both correct?
Yes. Both are accepted plural forms of “dwarf.” “Dwarfs” is standard in general and scientific English, while “dwarves” is commonly used in fantasy and fictional contexts.
Which is correct in science: dwarfs or dwarves?
In scientific and academic writing, “dwarfs” is the correct and preferred form.
Why do fantasy books use “dwarves”?
Fantasy writers use “dwarves” to create a mythical tone. The form became popular after J. R. R. Tolkien used it extensively.
Is “dwarves” considered informal?
Not informal, but context-specific. It’s appropriate in literature and storytelling, not technical writing.
Can I use either in everyday conversation?
Yes. Native speakers understand both, but they may associate “dwarves” with fantasy and “dwarfs” with real-world meaning.
Conclusion
“Dwarfs” and “dwarves” are both correct—but they don’t mean the same thing in practice.
Use dwarfs for:
- Science
- Real-world descriptions
- Metaphorical language
Use dwarves for:
- Fantasy
- Mythology
- Fictional storytelling
Once you understand the context, the choice becomes natural.
And that’s the real goal of good grammar—not rigid rules, but clear, confident communication.
Aldous Huxley was a visionary writer and philosopher whose works explored human nature, consciousness, and the future of society. His ideas continue to challenge minds and inspire generations.
