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Definition of popular

popular

/ˈpɑːpjələr/
pop · u · lar
Adverb:popularly
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popular Lexical Profile

popular Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group.

Example

"The newly opened café quickly became a popular spot for local students."

2

Intended for or suited to the taste, understanding, or means of the general public rather than specialists or intellectuals.

Example

"She writes articles for popular science magazines to make complex research accessible to everyone."

3

Prevalent or widespread among the general public, or carried on by the people as a whole.

Example

"Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not easily visible from low Earth orbit with the naked eye."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for popular

• Nearby Words

pops
popsicle
populace
popular
popularity
popularization
popularize

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Old French 'populaire' or directly from Latin 'popularis', meaning 'belonging to the people', derived from 'populus' ('people').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Popular. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/popular
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