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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hoi polloi
Every homeowner and every residence is thoroughly vetted, and everything happens behind the scenes, with no public exposure and without the hoi polloi cycling through the photos.
—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 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
Kapalua Bay Villas has deluxe one and two-bedroom villas perched on sunny, secluded Kapaula Bay, far from the hoi polloi.
—
Ben Davidson Correspondent,
Oc Register,
21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hoi polloi
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
31 Jan. 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
Kapalua Bay Villas has deluxe one and two-bedroom villas perched on sunny, secluded Kapaula Bay, far from the hoi polloi.
—
Ben Davidson Correspondent,
Oc Register,
21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hoi polloi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoi polloi
people
Plural Noun
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The weather service said people should drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and use air conditioning.
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There are nods to the environmental devastation wrought by the cattle industry that dominated Southern California in the first half of the 19th century, as well as the Faustian bargain struck by Indigenous people who converted to Catholicism.
Cite this Entry
“Hoi polloi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoi%20polloi. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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