plebeian
[ pli-bee-uhn, plee-bee-uhn ]
/ plɪˈbi ən, ˈpliˌbi ən /
Save This Word!
adjective
belonging or pertaining to the common people.
of, relating to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.
common, commonplace, or vulgar: a plebeian joke.
noun
a member of the common people.
a member of the ancient Roman plebs.
OTHER WORDS FOR plebeian
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of plebeian
OTHER WORDS FROM plebeian
ple·be·ian·ism, nounple·be·ian·ly, adverbple·be·ian·ness, nounun·ple·be·ian, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use plebeian in a sentence
Another southern aristocrat mixing up with northern plebeianism I reckon!
Lily Pearl and The Mistress of Rosedale|Ida GlenwoodFresh water baths, salt water baths, everything was provided for that lazy and non-producing plebeianism!
The Sea|Jules MicheletWhat can be more admirable than this ‘de bon air’ plebeianism, and universal right-hand of fellowship?
British Dictionary definitions for plebeian
plebeian
/ (pləˈbiːən) /
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of the common people, esp those of Rome
lacking refinement; vulgarplebeian tastes
noun
one of the common people, esp one of the Roman plebs
a person who is coarse or lacking in discernment
Derived forms of plebeian
plebeianism, nounWord Origin for plebeian
C16: from Latin plēbēius belonging to the people, from plēbs the common people of ancient Rome
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012