1
a
: frequently seen, heard, or experienced
a familiar joke/sight
familiar surroundings
The essay covers familiar ground/territory.
It's a sad but (all too) familiar story.
She has become a familiar figure in the world of politics.
—often + tosurroundings that are more familiar to us
foods that are already familiar to most Americans
b
—used to say that something is easy for you to recognize because you have seen, heard, or experienced it many times in the past
He spotted a familiar face in the crowd.
a familiar voice
c
: possibly known but not clearly remembered
He looked familiar [=he looked like someone I had seen before] but I couldn't remember his name.
Her name is/sounds/seems (vaguely) familiar.
2
a
: relaxed and informal
She spoke in a familiar way about her past.
an essay written in a familiar style
b
: appropriate for use with people you know well
a familiar way of addressing someone
c
: too friendly
They felt the waiter was being overly familiar.
—often + withHe avoids being overly/too familiar with his employees.
Cite this Entry
“Familiar.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/familiar. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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