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.
Moreover, as the famous saying goes, this is worse than a crime: It’s a mistake.
From Slate ● Oct. 19, 2026
After the game, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian suggested that the most famous collegiate passer alive—and a player widely picked as the NFL draft’s top pick before the season—could be benched.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
His co-star Liang says her intense training regime was designed to help her replicate character Chun-Li's famous moves and distinctive, muscular look.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
Fielder is famous for excruciatingly awkward deadpan comedy, but Holmes’ parents are there, the family is preparing for an emotional goodbye and he seems to realize almost immediately that he has misjudged the situation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
I had never dreamed in my wildest dreams that someday I would march in a band playing my silver horn, wearing a spring parka trimmed with wolverine fur, and welcome racers of the famous Iditarod.
From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
