masses

British  

/ ˈmæsɪz /

plural noun

1. the body of common people

2. informal (often foll by of) great numbers or quantities

   masses of food

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Explanation

The masses refers to a large, general group of regular folks — the common people of a society. If you’re super rich, you ride around in a private jet while the masses take crowded buses. The masses don’t include celebrities, rich people, royalty, or political leaders. The masses are everybody else. People use this term when they need to speak generally about the majority, although it often refers to the lower class. To win an election, a politician must appeal to the masses. Popular movies and music also must appeal to the masses — in other words, they need mass appeal. The word masses is also just plural for any kind of mass.

Example Sentences

Through the many speeches and Masses delivered in multiple languages during his trip – which took him to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea—Leo made passionate appeals against violence, authoritarianism and social injustice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Away from the camera, Muldoon - who had a band called The Sleeping Masses - also worked behind the scenes, producing films such as The Tribes of Palos Verdes, Arkansas and Marlowe.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Appeared in the October 4, 2025, print edition as 'Genesis Plays to the Masses by Embracing the Status Quo'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Padilla suggested volunteering as lectors in Masses across the Orange diocese.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

But Mama told him we wished to mourn privately, that they could go to offer Masses for the repose of Papas soul.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie