: the ordinary people in a country who do not have special power or privileges
She is well-liked as a senator because she listens to the people.
the common people
US, law
—used to refer to the government of the U.S. or of a particular state in the name of a legal case
The People vs. John Doe
Examples of the people in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Arkansas Online, 2 June 2025
In part because of Poder's work, Golden says local officials have begun to revise old views on mobile homes and the people who live in them.
—Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 2 June 2025
The broadcasters and the people who are making the content have realized there is an appetite.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 June 2025
But the people love Votto, an on-base force with a wit to match who seems certain to join Helton — and probably Goldschmidt, too — in the Hall of Fame.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the people
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.
Noun
The New York Times reported last week that the people running for judgeships include at least one ex-convict and several who are suspected of committing serious crimes.
—Arkansas Online, 2 June 2025
In part because of Poder's work, Golden says local officials have begun to revise old views on mobile homes and the people who live in them.
—Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 2 June 2025
The broadcasters and the people who are making the content have realized there is an appetite.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 June 2025
But the people love Votto, an on-base force with a wit to match who seems certain to join Helton — and probably Goldschmidt, too — in the Hall of Fame.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the people
Cite this Entry
“The people.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20people. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share