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
Derived 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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Words to Describe a Hero or Heroine
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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.
Reacting to the post, former BBC Radio 2 host Zoe Ball wrote: "You're going to need a bigger pub" - a reference to one of Spielberg's most famous films, Jaws.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
In his day, however, he was more famous as a silversmith.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
That could add a takeover premium for shares of one of sport’s most famous brands.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
The corporation behind the famous stock market indexes announced that it wouldn’t fast-track SpaceX for inclusion into the S&P 500.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
"The unfortunate governor of Barataria Island, formerly the squire of the famous knight Don Quixote de la Mancha."
From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios
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.
