plebeian

American  

[pli-bee-uhn, plee-bee-uhn] / plɪˈbi ən, ˈpliˌbi ən /

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the common people.

2. of, relating to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.

3. common, commonplace, or vulgar.

   a plebeian joke.

   Synonyms:

   popular, ordinary, low, lowbrow

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noun

1. a member of the common people.

2. a member of the ancient Roman plebs.

plebeian British  

/ pləˈbiːən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the common people, esp those of Rome

2. lacking refinement; vulgar

   plebeian tastes

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noun

1. one of the common people, esp one of the Roman plebs

2. a person who is coarse or lacking in discernment

Other Word Forms

• plebeianism noun
• plebeianly adverb
• plebeianness noun
• unplebeian adjective

Etymology

Origin of plebeian

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin plēbēi(us) “of the plebs” ( plēbē(s) “the common people” + -ius adjective suffix) + -an adjective suffix; plebs

Example Sentences

All the enlightened reformers in Europe were desperately trying to eliminate the peasant peculiarities and plebeian dialects that divided the peoples of their nations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its practical function: No one, neither courtier nor plebeian, could stand close to the queen, conspicuous in her splendid isolation.

From Los Angeles Times

But the filmmakers have given him an all-access pass, from plebeian alleyways to marbled halls of power, and he is forever walking in unannounced on people who could literally have his head.

From Los Angeles Times

But there are good deals for us plebeians if you know where to look.

From Seattle Times

The pangrams from yesterday’s Spelling Bee were biplane and plebeian.

From New York Times