famous
Americanadjective
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having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated.
a famous writer.
- Synonyms:
- illustrious, notable, famed
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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 most famous rescue operation that the U.S. has previously attempted in Iran—aimed at freeing 53 U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
And so began their journey as what Islas calls “horse parents” — a journey that has taken them to the brink of starting a horse in the world’s most famous horse race.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
"I miss the days we were known for the Blue Willow Inn," he said, referencing the famous buffet restaurant that closed during Covid, once visited by celebrities including actress Helen Mirren.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
The QIA is famous for “trophy assets” in real estate, particularly in London, where it owns a cluster of the city’s icons.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Douglass, the most famous Black man in America, exchanged frequent letters with Amy, writing, “Your family was always very dear to me …”
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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.
