populace

[ pop-yuh-luhs ]

noun

1. the common people of a community, nation, etc., as distinguished from the higher classes.
2. all the inhabitants of a place; population.

populace

/ ˈpɒpjʊləs /

noun

1. the inhabitants of an area
2. the common people; masses

Word History and Origins

Origin of populace¹

1565–75; < French < Italian popolaccio, equivalent to popol ( o ) people + -accio pejorative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of populace¹

C16: via French from Italian popolaccio the common herd, from popolo people, from Latin populus

Example Sentences

“Is there not a sense in which programmes like this, while seeking to alert the populace, succeed mainly in paralysing the will?”

From BBC

Others see it as the Stronach Group, owner of Santa Anita, believing so much in the sport that this type of event will energize the populace and bring much-needed new fans to the sport.

From Los Angeles Times

“We must kick in the advocacy as soon as possible to ensure that state agencies and institutions get on board and educate the populace on the expectation that this law carries,” she added.

From BBC

“This is one of the great tricks that I think the sexual revolution pulled on the American populace,” Vance said.

From Los Angeles Times

My second takeaway is that bread and circuses — the Roman phrase for distracting the populace with spectacle — was in full force.

From Los Angeles Times