commoner

American  

[kom-uh-ner] / ˈkɒm ə nər /

noun

1. a common person, as distinguished from one with rank, status, etc.

2. British.

   1. any person ranking below a peer; a person without a title of nobility.

   2. a member of the House of Commons.

   3. (at Oxford and some other universities) a student who pays the cost to dine at the commons and other expenses and is not supported by any scholarship or foundation.

3. a person who has a joint right in common land.

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commoner British  

/ ˈkɒmənə /

noun

1. a person who does not belong to the nobility

2. a person who has a right in or over common land jointly with another or others

3. a student at a university or other institution who is not on a scholarship

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Etymology

Origin of commoner

First recorded in 1350–1400; common + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Open is that egalitarian of majors, with commoners playing alongside royalty, amateurs alongside mega-millionaires, and obscure underdogs alongside household names.

From Los Angeles Times

She dated, and then married, Matthew Macfadyen's Tom Wambsgans, a self-made commoner who worked himself up in the company instead of someone else born into her pedigree.

From Salon

As the 18th century French commoner turned royal courtesan of the title, the movie’s director and star, Maïwenn, mugs and vamps and leers up a storm.

From Los Angeles Times

The guesthouse is far from the most luxurious, but it offers this singular distinction: For about $200 a night, meals included, commoners are graciously welcomed.

From New York Times

In other places, commoners, not elites, engaged with ruins.

From Science Magazine