famous
Americanadjective
-
having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated.
a famous writer.
- Synonyms:
- illustrious, notable, famed
-
Informal. first-rate; excellent.
The singer gave a famous performance.
-
unfavorably known; notorious.
In my family, my uncle is famous for his bad jokes.
adjective
-
known to or recognized by many people; renowned
-
informal excellent; splendid
-
archaic of ill repute
Related Words
Famous, celebrated, eminent, distinguished refer to someone or something widely and favorably known. Famous is the general word: a famous lighthouse. Celebrated originally referred to something commemorated, but now usually refers to someone or something widely known for conspicuous merit, services, etc.: a celebrated writer. Eminent implies high standing among one's contemporaries, especially in one's own profession or craft: an eminent physician. Distinguished adds to eminent the idea of honors conferred more or less publicly: a distinguished scientist.
Other Word Forms
- famously adverb
- famousness noun
- overfamous adjective
- prefamous adjective
- prefamously adverb
- pseudofamous adjective
- pseudofamously adverb
- quasi-famous adjective
- quasi-famously adverb
- unfamous adjective
Etymology
Origin of famous
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fāmōsus; fame, -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The war in Iran, which has roiled the oil market, has made this Chevron arguably the world’s most famous.
From Los Angeles Times
The number of Americans worth eight or even nine figures is up markedly, but they’re not famous.
From MarketWatch
A 20-year-old woman has been convicted on a graffiti charge for sticking googly eyes on a famous sculpture in South Australia.
From BBC
In the choir she will be installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury in the "Cathedral Chair" before moving to the famous "Chair of St Augustine" to be installed as Primate of All England.
From BBC
Ghalibaf has posted video showing him piloting aircraft and became famous as mayor for riding his motorcycle, cultivating a strongman persona that some Iran watchers have compared to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
