popularity

noun

pop·​u·​lar·​i·​ty ˌpä-pyə-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce popularity (audio)
ˌpä-pyə-ˈla-rə-tē
Synonyms of popularity
: the quality or state of being popular

Examples of popularity in a Sentence

the increasing popularity of cell phones
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reality shows and academics The rise in popularity of the chip giants was the source of inspiration for a dating show on YouTube channel Teo. Justina Lee,lisa Kim, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026 And as the popularity of wearable devices increase, and the tech improves, more doctors and patients are using the tech to help track and monitor heart rate and other health data. Michelle Marchante september 4, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Ricky Ponting, the former Australia cricket captain, has an idea to help turbocharge the popularity of his sport in the United States. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Ostrovsky said she was drawn to the project by its stories and its look inside a world most North American audiences know little about, despite its popularity across Asia. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for popularity

Word History

Etymology

popular + -ity

Note: Probably an English coinage rather than a loan from Latin populāritās "fellow-citizenship, courtship of popular favor" (Late Latin, "population, general opinion").

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of popularity was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Popularity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popularity. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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