popular
adjective
pop·u·lar
ˈpä-pyə-lər 
1
: of or relating to the general public
2
: suitable to the majority: such as
a
: adapted to or indicative of the understanding and taste of the majority
a popular history of the war
b
: suited to the means of the majority : inexpensive
sold at popular prices
3
: frequently encountered or widely accepted
a popular theory
4
: commonly liked or approved
a very popular girl
popularly
adverb
Examples of popular in a Sentence
They have names that were popular a century ago.
He is a popular guy in school.
Spicy foods have become increasingly popular.
That is a very popular misconception.
The word “groovy” was popular in the 1960s but it's outdated now.
Her theories are popular among social scientists.
a popular history of physics
Recent Examples on the Web
The regulations also take aim at some of the techniques that have become popular in recent years, such as chumming (the act of throwing bloody fish parts or other bait into the water to attract sharks).
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Milk bath nails have become popular for its sheer milky color worn by celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Meghan Markle.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025
When and why did 401(k)s become popular? Before 1978, retirement savings options were limited.
—Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
The Spanish-style depot on the West Eastover Terrace hill overlooking the Capitol has become an icon over the last century, often featured on postcards and popular as a wedding venue.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for popular
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.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Milk bath nails have become popular for its sheer milky color worn by celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Meghan Markle.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025
When and why did 401(k)s become popular? Before 1978, retirement savings options were limited.
—Dr. Ronald Premuroso, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
The Spanish-style depot on the West Eastover Terrace hill overlooking the Capitol has become an icon over the last century, often featured on postcards and popular as a wedding venue.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for popular
Cite this Entry
“Popular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popular. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
popular
adjective
pop·u·lar
ˈpäp-yə-lər
1
: of, relating to, or coming from the whole body of people
popular government
2
: suitable for the average person (as in low price or ease of understanding)
popular prices
popular science
3
: generally current : prevalent
popular opinion
4
: commonly liked or approved
a popular teacher
popularity
noun
ˌpäp-yə-ˈlar-ət-ē
popularly
adverb
Etymology
from Latin popularis "of the people," from populus "the people" — related to public
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share