: 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
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
Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The couple — along with their three children Saxon, Sarah and Sam (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola, respectively) — are among the people vacationing at a resort in Thailand.
—Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The majority of the people are either from Milwaukee or have the essence of the city.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025
This Portfolio, by the American photographer Richard Renaldi, offers a look at the people who do that looking.
—Richard Renaldi, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the people
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Noun
The genius of the people will ill brook the inquisitive and peremptory spirit of excise laws.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The couple — along with their three children Saxon, Sarah and Sam (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola, respectively) — are among the people vacationing at a resort in Thailand.
—Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The majority of the people are either from Milwaukee or have the essence of the city.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025
This Portfolio, by the American photographer Richard Renaldi, offers a look at the people who do that looking.
—Richard Renaldi, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the people
Cite this Entry
“The people.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20people. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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