fame

1 of 2

noun

ˈfām 

1

a

: public estimation : reputation

b

: popular acclaim : renown

2

archaic : rumor

fame

2 of 2

verb

famed; faming

transitive verb

1

archaic : report, repute

2

: to make famous

Synonyms of fame

Noun

• notoriety
• celebrity
• renown
• reputation

Examples of fame in a Sentence

Noun

He died at the height of his fame.

The book tells the story of her sudden rise to fame.

He gained fame as an actor.

She went to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The affable Belgian designer, who rose to fashion fame thanks to his 11-year stint helming Y/Project, further cemented his fashion profile last year by taking up the reins of Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026

According to Hollywood insider Rob Shuter, however, Jennifer Aniston’s friends are pushing back against suggestions that her Curtis is using her fame to sell his new book. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2026

Verb

Across the rugged landscape that has made Yemen famed for its beauty, videos of the fighting over the last few days showed men dying violently on craggy mountains and on barren desert flats. — Kareem Fahim, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

In a way, the two very different brands –– one an established pillar of New York fashion famed for its ‘70s wrap dress, and the other a respected darling with prime promise — have a sort of big-little sister or kindred spirit association. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fama report, fame; akin to Latin fari to speak — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fame

• claim to fame
• what price glory/fame

Rhymes for fame

• aim
• blame
• brame
• came
• claim
• dame
• flame
• frame
• game
• haim
• lame
• maim

Kids Definition

fame

noun

ˈfām

: the fact or condition of being known to the public : renown

famed

ˈfāmd

adjective