hoi polloi

plural noun

ˌhȯi-pə-ˈlȯi How to pronounce hoi polloi (audio)
Definition of hoi polloinext
as in public
the body of the community as contrasted with the elite "I pay no attention to the opinions of the hoi polloi," the writer sniffed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hoi polloi The Viennese set designer Oskar Strnad saw traditional theaters as agents of social stratification with the imperial box in the center, the bourgeoisie in the parquet, and the hoi polloi in the nosebleed balcony. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 The whitewashed building’s accessible only by a five-minute speedboat ride or helicopter, keeping the hoi polloi at bay; the skipper and boat come bundled for your use during your stay, as does a hostess and cook. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 Now, many pessimists would say that just based on interviewing the person on the street, there’s not a big appetite for this kind of transformation among the hoi polloi. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026 Next up is none other than The U, yet another member of the college football hoi polloi, in a championship game that might require organ donation to get a ticket. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hoi polloi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoi polloi
people
Plural Noun
  • That dream came true during the pandemic, when the two saw an opportunity to develop a hospitality concept that would remain true to the agricultural character of the property and feed people's ever-growing desire to be out in nature.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The display will remain up all week, giving people more time to stop by, pay their respects and remember those who have been lost.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of people

Browse Nearby Words

hoicks
hoi polloi
hoist
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Cite this Entry

“Hoi polloi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoi%20polloi. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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