popularity
AmericanOther Word Forms
- nonpopularity noun
- overpopularity noun
- semipopularity noun
Etymology
Origin of popularity
First recorded in 1540–50, popularity is from the Latin word populāritās a courting of popular favor. See popular, -ity
Explanation
Popularity is the quality of being well-liked and having a lot of friends and admirers. Winning a student council election isn't just about popularity — you also have to have good ideas and be willing to work hard. Having popularity means that there are many people in your corner, supporting or liking you. The popularity of an internet celebrity might disappear suddenly, while the popularity of your favorite writers and artists seems to last for generations. This kind of popularity implies being adored by people who don't even know you in person (the word comes from a Latin root meaning "the people"), while your popularity among your friends is a more personal type.
Vocabulary lists containing popularity
We the People: Popul
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Academy Awards, List 5
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popul (people)
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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.
But death doulas, sometimes known as soul midwives, have been growing in popularity in the last 10 years.
From BBC • May 2, 2026
Ross’ popularity at the time of his death, along with his prolific output, translated into an afterlife associating him with kindness and encouragement.
From Salon • May 2, 2026
As prediction markets grow in popularity, so does their usefulness for Wall Street.
From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026
"Limitations of this data are that it does not reflect usage of an app or the age of the user, however it gives early indicators if an app is rising in popularity."
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
As he had discovered the first day, getting into trouble could both detain him after school and boost his popularity with the guys.
From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli
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.
