Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

plebs

noun
\ ˈplebz , ˈpleps \
plural plebes\ˈplē-(ˌ)bēz, ˈplā-ˌbās \

Definition of plebs 

1 : the general populace

2 : the common people of ancient Rome

First Known Use of plebs

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for plebs

Latin

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about plebs

Dictionary Entries near plebs

plebification

plebiscite

plebiscitum

plebs

Plecoptera

plecopteran

plecopterid

Statistics for plebs

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for plebs

The first known use of plebs was in 1591

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on plebs

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for plebs

Nglish: Translation of plebs for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of plebs for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plebs

Comments on plebs

What made you want to look up plebs? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

glade

an open space surrounded by woods

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

  • alt-573b465788319
  • Name these cookies!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games