plebs

[ plebz ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. (in ancient Rome) the common people, as contrasted with the patricians and later with the senatorial nobility or the equestrian order.
2. the common people; the populace.

plebs

/ plɛbz /

noun

1. functioning as plural the common people; the masses
2. functioning as singular or plural common people of ancient Rome Compare patrician

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebs¹

First recorded in 1640–50, plebs is from the Latin word plēbs, plēbēs

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebs¹

C17: from Latin: the common people of ancient Rome

Example Sentences

He admitted swearing at officers but denied calling them "plebs".

From BBC

He admitted swearing at officers but denied calling them "plebs".

From BBC

LeBron’s media adviser then went on the record that James did not pay, and Musk confirmed thereafter that he was paying for some Blue subscriptions himself, upsetting some of his new fans, who are incensed that their populist champion has decided celebrities should get for free a product for which the plebs pay $8 a month.

From Slate

LeBron’s media adviser then went on the record that James did not pay, and Musk confirmed thereafter that he was paying for some Blue subscriptions himself, upsetting some of his new fans who are incensed that their populist champion has decided celebrities should get for free a product for which the plebs pay $8 a month.

From Slate

Plebs, the sitcom about a group of mates negotiating their way through Roman society, is coming to an end.

From BBC

Related Words

• proletariat
• working class