popularity

noun

pop·​u·​lar·​i·​ty ˌpä-pyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce popularity (audio)
ˌpä-pyə-ˈla-rə-tē
Synonyms of popularity
: the quality or state of being popular

Synonyms of popularity

Relevance
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Examples of popularity in a Sentence

the increasing popularity of cell phones
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Over 26 years later, the formula still has staying power—both in popularity over the decades, and wear-time up to 16 hours. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 On prediction sites, which have exploded in popularity this year, users can wager on everything from sports to elections, culture and the weather. — Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Trump’s popularity remains at a record low, the same poll found. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Kusama’s popularity continued to surge in the 2010s and 2020s, with her ubiquitous pumpkin sculptures as well as with fashion collaborations, including two with Louis Vuitton. — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for popularity

Word History

Etymology

popular + -ity

Note: Probably an English coinage rather than a loan from Latin populāritās "fellow-citizenship, courtship of popular favor" (Late Latin, "population, general opinion").

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularity was in 1574

Phrases Containing popularity

Rhymes for popularity

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Browse Nearby Words

popularise
popularity
popularity contest
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Cite this Entry

“Popularity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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