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.
The industrial candies of those golden years have only increased in popularity since then, and nothing has risen up in challenge. — Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026 The big midterms have tended to come in presidents' second terms, when their popularity and political energy may be waning. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 Movie reboots have soared in popularity, with more than a few filmed in and around Atlanta. — Matt Degen, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The popularity of Aldi-style dupes in cookies, chips and candy shows how familiar products can attract attention when shoppers find convincing alternatives. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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