adj. 1 liked or admired by many people or by a specified group (popular teachers; a popular hero). 2 a of or carried on by the general public (popular meetings). b prevalent among the general public (popular discontent). 3 adapted to the understanding, taste, or means of the people (popular science; popular medicine). popular front a party or coalition representing left-wing elements. popular music songs, folk tunes, etc., appealing to popular tastes. popularism n. popularity n. popularly adv.
[ ME f. AF populer, OF populeir or L popularis f. populus people ]