populace

noun

pop·​u·​lace ˈpä-pyə-ləs How to pronounce populace (audio)
1
: the common people : masses
2

Did you know?

Populace is usually used to refer to all the people of a country. Thus, we're often told that an educated and informed populace is essential for a healthy American democracy. Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous radio "Fireside Chats" informed and reassured the American populace in the 1930s as we struggled through the Great Depression. We often hear about what "the general populace" is thinking or doing, but generalizing about something so huge can be tricky.

Examples of populace in a Sentence

The populace has suffered greatly. high officials awkwardly mingling with the general populace
Recent Examples on the Web In her own eyes, Hannah cannot escape the shadow of her crimes, which are the innocent mistakes of a young woman criminalized by a prejudiced populace. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 May 2024 And the longer the lockdowns, the greater harm to the populace from factors other than COVID-19. Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for populace 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'populace.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Italian popolaccio rabble, augmentative of popolo the people, from Latin populus

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of populace was in 1572

Dictionary Entries Near populace

Cite this Entry

“Populace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/populace. Accessed 15 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

populace

noun
pop·​u·​lace ˈpäp-yə-ləs How to pronounce populace (audio)
1
: the common people : masses
2

More from Merriam-Webster on populace

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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