: 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
Spin Staff, SPIN, 7 June 2024
Meanwhile, the expansion of chip-making capabilities is exacerbating another shortage: in the people trained to make them.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
From the people who brought you the iPod, here come … some TV shows?
—Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Many of the people infected were concentrated in Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia and New York.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for the people 
Noun
Against the backdrop of the band’s trademark Southern California brand of bright punk, Holland sings about the people in our lives who add support and strength in our darkest moments.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 7 June 2024
Meanwhile, the expansion of chip-making capabilities is exacerbating another shortage: in the people trained to make them.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024
From the people who brought you the iPod, here come … some TV shows?
—Peter C. Baker, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Many of the people infected were concentrated in Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia and New York.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for the people
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the people.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near the people
Cite this Entry
“The people.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20people. Accessed 9 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share