masses
Britishplural noun
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the body of common people
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informal (often foll by of) great numbers or quantities
masses of food
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.
Vocabulary lists containing masses
Home of the Brave
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"Efrén Divided" by Ernesto Cisneros, Chapters 6–11
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Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
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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.
Scientists have now tested that same relationship using masses and distances that were "inconceivable in Newton's day," Gallardo says.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026
During papal assignments, he submits possible designs and fabric swatches to the Vatican office that organises masses and other papal celebrations, the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.
From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026
Or how to make boat restoration interesting to the masses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
Startups including Archer, Beta Technologies and Joby Aviation are vying to be the first company to successfully bring flying taxis to the masses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
Every day, the Sisters came into her cell unannounced and clucked their tongues at the masses of paper in the room.
From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill
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.
