the people

1 of 2

noun (1)

: the ordinary people in a country who do not have special power or privileges

She is well-liked as a senator because she listens to the people.

the common people

the People

2 of 2

noun (2)

US, law

—used to refer to the government of the U.S. or of a particular state in the name of a legal case

The People vs. John Doe

Examples of the people in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Gilgeous-Alexander revealed to Fallon that the CHARM BLACK, HAIL CLAY, and MASI BLUE would be the next three colorways to release, all rooted in personal connection and shaped by the people who define his world. —Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Over 300 of the people arrested were South Korean, Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Hyun said on Saturday. —Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

Noun

After meeting a whistleblower (Taylour Paige) aiming to reveal the company’s poisonous shenanigans, Winston runs afoul of punk-band baddies who toss him and his radioactive mop into a toxic-waste pool, and the reluctant superdude becomes a popular folk hero standing up for the people who need him. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Bain Capital is holding off on a decision until more offers roll in, the people said, adding that once a buyer is selected, due diligence is expected to take less than two months before the deal is signed. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025

Rhymes for the people

• steeple
• businesspeople
• craftspeople
• laypeople
• salespeople
• townspeople
• tradespeople
• workpeople