: the ordinary people in a country who do not have special power or privileges
She is well-liked as a senator because she listens to the people.
the common people
US, law
—used to refer to the government of the U.S. or of a particular state in the name of a legal case
The People vs. John Doe
Examples of the people in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
The hope is that volunteers, many of whom have had long careers in government cybersecurity or intelligence or in large corporations, will be able to start a conversation with the people managing the critical machines that power American society.
—Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Bain Capital is holding off on a decision until more offers roll in, the people said, adding that once a buyer is selected, due diligence is expected to take less than two months before the deal is signed.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the people
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
And The Quest For Perfection Kershaw’s quest for perfection every fifth day has presented a series of challenges for the people who are closest to him.
—Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
The hope is that volunteers, many of whom have had long careers in government cybersecurity or intelligence or in large corporations, will be able to start a conversation with the people managing the critical machines that power American society.
—Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
After meeting a whistleblower (Taylour Paige) aiming to reveal the company’s poisonous shenanigans, Winston runs afoul of punk-band baddies who toss him and his radioactive mop into a toxic-waste pool, and the reluctant superdude becomes a popular folk hero standing up for the people who need him.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Bain Capital is holding off on a decision until more offers roll in, the people said, adding that once a buyer is selected, due diligence is expected to take less than two months before the deal is signed.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the people
Cite this Entry
“The people.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20people. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share