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
Synonym Usage
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
Etymology
Origin of famous
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fāmōsus; see origin at fame, -ous
Explanation
Something famous is well known, usually because it's special or particularly good. Celebrities, historic paintings, and the best burger in town could all be described as famous. If something is famous, then a lot of people know about it. If you turn on the television or look at a magazine rack, you'll see plenty of famous people: movie stars, TV stars, musicians, athletes, and politicians are all famous. Lots of people want to be famous, but there are good and bad parts to it. It must be nice to be rich, but being constantly surrounded by fans and photographers can't be fun.
Vocabulary lists containing famous
Academy Awards, List 5
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"Return to Titanic" and "Talking with Robert Ballard"
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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.
Champagne winegrowers said Thursday they were dropping a 23-year-old study into expanding the area that can produce France's most famous fizz due to climate change, declining consumption and economic uncertainty.
From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026
Although the Carrington Event remains the most famous example from this period, evidence of solar activity interfering with electrical systems stretches back even further.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2026
"But this prize is for the comic voices of people who aren't famous: just living their lives being quietly hilarious."
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
But in the renovated bathrooms the famous plaques above the urinals — including the one declaring “Charles Bukowski pissed here” — will remain.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026
One skeptic suggested that authors’ descendants be allowed to sue mediums for signing their relative’s famous names to such dreadful new writing.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
