popularity
AmericanOther Word Forms
Derived Forms
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Academy Awards, List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
popul (people)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran, emerged as a political outsider and quickly gained popularity.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
The increasing popularity of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket has compounded pressure on them to address suspicious activity, with lawmakers, regulators and prosecutors raising concerns about insider trading.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Soccer has been growing steadily in popularity in the U.S. in recent years.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
However, investors shouldn’t count out Costco forever, given the company’s strong same-store sales–evidence of its expanding market share–and the increasing popularity of warehouse clubs in general.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Hankering for security or popularity makes you weak and vulnerable.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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.
