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The word “groovy” was popular in the 1960s but it's outdated now.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 village’s recently opened popular Irish bar, Teehan’s, and the next door restaurant, Durbin’s, also joined the square’s debut celebrations.
—
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
In keeping with popular male balms for spiritual suffering, Turner turns to alcohol and functions as a mollusk, socially and professionally; his stoicism is an act, one his peers pick up on, and which some openly deride.
—Andy Crump, Time, 20 July 2025
The popular series followed monster-hunting brothers.
—Nicholas Rice, People.com, 19 July 2025
The Kansas City concert itself had the feeling of a family gathering as fans across multiple generations danced in the moonlight and sang popular lyrics from the 20-song set.
—Pj Green
july 19, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for popular
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Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
In keeping with popular male balms for spiritual suffering, Turner turns to alcohol and functions as a mollusk, socially and professionally; his stoicism is an act, one his peers pick up on, and which some openly deride.
—Andy Crump, Time, 20 July 2025
The popular series followed monster-hunting brothers.
—Nicholas Rice, People.com, 19 July 2025
The Kansas City concert itself had the feeling of a family gathering as fans across multiple generations danced in the moonlight and sang popular lyrics from the 20-song set.
—Pj Green
july 19, Kansas City Star, 19 July 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 Jul. 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
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